Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Chester, OH (2024 Update)
- West Chester Solar Installation Cost: $17,747
- 25-Year Savings: $14,970
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Chester
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Chester.
The average cost of a solar panel system in West Chester is 3 per watt.The average West Chester homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,747 with the federal tax credit, or $25,378 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in West Chester based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in West Chester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,582 |
| 3 years | $-14,252 |
| 5 years | $-11,922 |
| 7 years | $-9,592 |
| 9 years | $-7,262 |
| 11 years | $-4,932 |
| 13 years | $-2,602 |
| 15 years | $-272 |
| 17 years | $2,058 |
| 19 years | $4,388 |
| 21 years | $6,718 |
| 23 years | $9,048 |
| 25 years | $11,378 |
Top Solar Installers in West Chester
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in West Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Chester
The cost of installing a solar system in West Chester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,410 per kilowatt in West Chester.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many West Chester homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. West Chester’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,938 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,965 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,184 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,594 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,194 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $24,986 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $28,969 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,142 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in West Chester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to look over 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.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's West Chester, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Chester?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Chester?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Chester. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West Chester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.