Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Chester, OH (2023 Update)
- West Chester Solar Installation Cost: $13,323
- 25-Year Savings: $14,970
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Chester
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Chester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Chester it's 2.56 per watt. The average West Chester homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,315 with the federal tax credit, or $19,040 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Chester find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,158 |
| 3 years | $-9,828 |
| 5 years | $-7,498 |
| 7 years | $-5,168 |
| 9 years | $-2,838 |
| 11 years | $-508 |
| 13 years | $1,821 |
| 15 years | $4,151 |
| 17 years | $6,481 |
| 19 years | $8,811 |
| 21 years | $11,141 |
| 23 years | $13,471 |
| 25 years | $15,801 |
Top Solar Installers in West Chester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in West Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Chester
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,560. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Chester, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. West Chester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $11,650 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,821 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,134 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $24,591 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $29,191 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $33,935 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $38,822 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $43,852 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number 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:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's West Chester, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Chester?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Chester?
A solar panel system isn't free in West Chester, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.