Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Cocalico, PA (2023 Update)

  • East Cocalico Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,630
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Cocalico

Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in East Cocalico.

In East Cocalico, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in East Cocalico, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in East Cocalico based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average East Cocalico homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in East Cocalico, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East Cocalico

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,713
3 years $-8,685
5 years $-6,656
7 years $-4,627
9 years $-2,599
11 years $-570
13 years $1,458
15 years $3,487
17 years $5,515
19 years $7,544
21 years $9,572
23 years $11,601
25 years $13,630

Top Solar Installers in East Cocalico

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're looking for a solar installer in East Cocalico, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 East Cocalico

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Cocalico

Even though the average cost of a solar system in East Cocalico is $11,727, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in East Cocalico. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the East Cocalico average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in East Cocalico, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in East Cocalico have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.65 $11,138 $12,011 12.0 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,301 11.8 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,733 11.6 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $25,308 11.3 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $30,026 11.1 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $34,886 10.9 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $39,890 10.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $45,036 10.4 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's East Cocalico, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Cocalico?

The average cost of solar panels in East Cocalico is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Cocalico?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in East Cocalico?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.

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