Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hempfield, PA (2024 Update)
- West Hempfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $12,763
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hempfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Hempfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Hempfield, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average West Hempfield homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,331 with the federal tax credit, or $23,353 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average West Hempfield homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Hempfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,001 |
| 3 years | $-12,339 |
| 5 years | $-9,677 |
| 7 years | $-7,015 |
| 9 years | $-4,353 |
| 11 years | $-1,691 |
| 13 years | $971 |
| 15 years | $3,633 |
| 17 years | $6,294 |
| 19 years | $8,956 |
| 21 years | $11,618 |
| 23 years | $14,280 |
| 25 years | $16,942 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hempfield
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 West Hempfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hempfield
For many West Hempfield homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Hempfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in West Hempfield, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Hempfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Hempfield to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Hempfield, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,856 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,539 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,421 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,501 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,781 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,259 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,936 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,811 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 West Hempfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Hempfield?
The average cost of solar panels in West Hempfield is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Hempfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Hempfield. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $745.41 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Hempfield?
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 higher amount 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.