Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, OH (Mar 2023)
- York Solar Installation Cost: $13,440
- 25-Year Savings: $20,014
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in York
We go over average solar pricing in York.
In York, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average York homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,440 with the federal tax credit, or $19,219 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average York homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in York, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,102 |
| 3 years | $-9,425 |
| 5 years | $-6,749 |
| 7 years | $-4,073 |
| 9 years | $-1,396 |
| 11 years | $1,280 |
| 13 years | $3,956 |
| 15 years | $6,633 |
| 17 years | $9,309 |
| 19 years | $11,985 |
| 21 years | $14,662 |
| 23 years | $17,338 |
| 25 years | $20,014 |
Top Solar Installers in York
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in York: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. York's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $15,576 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $21,055 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $26,677 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $32,443 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $38,352 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $44,404 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $50,599 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $56,938 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 significant role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 York, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in York?
The average cost of solar panels in York is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in York?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in York is currently $146,991, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,027 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in York is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.