Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth Meeting, PA (2024 Update)
- Plymouth Meeting Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plymouth Meeting
We go over average solar pricing in Plymouth Meeting.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Plymouth Meeting is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Plymouth Meeting, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,365, or $23,402 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Plymouth Meeting depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Plymouth Meeting can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plymouth Meeting
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,074 |
| 3 years | $-12,494 |
| 5 years | $-9,913 |
| 7 years | $-7,333 |
| 9 years | $-4,752 |
| 11 years | $-2,172 |
| 13 years | $409 |
| 15 years | $2,990 |
| 17 years | $5,570 |
| 19 years | $8,151 |
| 21 years | $10,731 |
| 23 years | $13,312 |
| 25 years | $15,892 |
Top Solar Installers in Plymouth Meeting
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Plymouth Meeting
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth Meeting
The cost of installing a solar system in Plymouth Meeting can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in Plymouth Meeting.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Plymouth Meeting offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Plymouth Meeting homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Plymouth Meeting, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $8,771 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,092 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,612 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,330 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,248 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,364 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,679 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,193 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models 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 in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Plymouth Meeting, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plymouth Meeting?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality 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 less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Plymouth Meeting?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.