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

  • Waterford Solar Installation Cost: $17,209
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,227
  • Payback Period: 13.6 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 Waterford

We go over average solar pricing in Waterford.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waterford typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Waterford, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,209, or $24,609 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Waterford homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Waterford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Waterford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,732
3 years $-12,777
5 years $-9,822
7 years $-6,867
9 years $-3,912
11 years $-957
13 years $1,998
15 years $4,953
17 years $7,908
19 years $10,863
21 years $13,818
23 years $16,772
25 years $19,727

Top Solar Installers in Waterford

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Waterford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waterford

While the average cost of a solar system in Waterford is $17,209, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Waterford, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Waterford homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Waterford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 $11,861 14.2 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $16,213 13.9 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $20,763 13.6 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $25,512 13.3 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $30,459 13.1 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $35,606 12.8 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $40,951 12.5 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $46,495 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.

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 Waterford, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waterford?

The average cost of solar panels in Waterford is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Waterford?

Solar panels aren’t free in Waterford, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.

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