Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Gwynedd, PA (2024 Update)
- Upper Gwynedd Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $17,133
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Gwynedd
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Upper Gwynedd.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Upper Gwynedd it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Upper Gwynedd, the average price of going solar will be about $16,365 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Upper Gwynedd homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Gwynedd
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,056 |
| 3 years | $-12,438 |
| 5 years | $-9,821 |
| 7 years | $-7,204 |
| 9 years | $-4,586 |
| 11 years | $-1,969 |
| 13 years | $649 |
| 15 years | $3,266 |
| 17 years | $5,884 |
| 19 years | $8,501 |
| 21 years | $11,118 |
| 23 years | $13,736 |
| 25 years | $16,353 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Gwynedd
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Upper Gwynedd
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Gwynedd
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Upper Gwynedd: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Upper Gwynedd, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Upper Gwynedd offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect the cost. Upper Gwynedd’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,814 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $14,816 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $19,017 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $23,416 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $28,015 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $32,812 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $37,808 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $43,003 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Upper Gwynedd, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Upper Gwynedd, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Gwynedd?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Upper Gwynedd, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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.