Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pennside, PA (2024 Update)

  • Pennside Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,725
  • Payback Period: 16.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pennside

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Pennside.

The average cost of a solar system in Pennside is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,528 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Pennside depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Pennside can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Pennside for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Pennside

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 Pennside

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Pennside

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pennside

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Pennside is $16,528, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Pennside, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pennside average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Pennside, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Pennside is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $7,585 16.8 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $10,511 16.5 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $13,636 16.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $16,960 15.8 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $20,482 15.5 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $24,203 15.2 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $28,123 14.9 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $32,242 14.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Pennside, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pennside?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pennside?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Pennside have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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