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 solar panels in West Chester is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Chester, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,747, or $25,378 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 a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in West Chester for a quote for your home.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,410. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in West Chester, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in West Chester, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 cost more. 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 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 | $3.55 | $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 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Chester?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose 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 afford 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?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 uses 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 home 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.