Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Chester, OH (Mar 2023)
- West Chester Solar Installation Cost: $13,315
- 25-Year Savings: $14,978
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Chester
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Chester.
In West Chester, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Chester, the average price of going solar will be about $13,315 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Chester can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,183 |
| 3 years | $-9,919 |
| 5 years | $-7,656 |
| 7 years | $-5,393 |
| 9 years | $-3,129 |
| 11 years | $-866 |
| 13 years | $1,398 |
| 15 years | $3,661 |
| 17 years | $5,925 |
| 19 years | $8,188 |
| 21 years | $10,452 |
| 23 years | $12,715 |
| 25 years | $14,978 |
Top Solar Installers in West Chester
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are various 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in West Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Chester
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in West Chester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in West Chester. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Chester have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose 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 | $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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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.