Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, PA (2024 Update)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,935
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Exeter.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Exeter generally cost around 4.The average Exeter homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,528 with the federal tax credit, or $23,635 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Exeter find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Exeter, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
The cost of installing a solar system in Exeter can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Exeter, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,774 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,763 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,951 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,338 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,923 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,707 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,690 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,872 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Exeter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Exeter?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Exeter?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.