Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Pennsboro, PA (2024 Update)
- West Pennsboro Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $14,949
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Pennsboro
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Pennsboro.
The average cost of solar panels in West Pennsboro is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Pennsboro is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,556 for a solar installation, or $23,675 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in West Pennsboro depending on a few factors, such as the type 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 usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Pennsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,279 |
| 3 years | $-12,725 |
| 5 years | $-10,170 |
| 7 years | $-7,616 |
| 9 years | $-5,061 |
| 11 years | $-2,507 |
| 13 years | $47 |
| 15 years | $2,602 |
| 17 years | $5,156 |
| 19 years | $7,710 |
| 21 years | $10,265 |
| 23 years | $12,819 |
| 25 years | $15,373 |
Top Solar Installers in West Pennsboro
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Pennsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Pennsboro
For many West Pennsboro homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Pennsboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in West Pennsboro.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Pennsboro, 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 a better option. 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 significant investment. That’s why many West Pennsboro homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West Pennsboro homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in West Pennsboro is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $8,666 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,952 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,437 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,121 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,004 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,085 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,366 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,845 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in West Pennsboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial 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.
- 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 you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Pennsboro, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Pennsboro?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Pennsboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in West Pennsboro?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Pennsboro?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.