Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Merion, PA (2024 Update)
- Upper Merion Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Merion
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Upper Merion.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Upper Merion is 4 per watt.The average Upper Merion homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,365 with the federal tax credit, or $23,402 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Upper Merion for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Upper Merion
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 Upper Merion
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Upper Merion, we've 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 Upper Merion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Merion
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Upper Merion: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get 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 a small roof 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Upper Merion is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things 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 what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Merion, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Merion?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Upper Merion have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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 long do solar panels last in Upper Merion?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.