Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Lampeter, PA (2023 Update)
- East Lampeter Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $12,583
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Lampeter
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in East Lampeter.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Lampeter generally cost around 2.55. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in East Lampeter, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,727, or $16,770 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average East Lampeter homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in East Lampeter for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Lampeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,755 |
| 3 years | $-8,810 |
| 5 years | $-6,865 |
| 7 years | $-4,920 |
| 9 years | $-2,976 |
| 11 years | $-1,031 |
| 13 years | $914 |
| 15 years | $2,859 |
| 17 years | $4,804 |
| 19 years | $6,749 |
| 21 years | $8,694 |
| 23 years | $10,638 |
| 25 years | $12,583 |
Top Solar Installers in East Lampeter
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in East Lampeter:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 East Lampeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Lampeter
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in East Lampeter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 Lampeter. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in East Lampeter offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in East Lampeter, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,056 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,027 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,141 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,398 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,797 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,339 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,024 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,852 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 East Lampeter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Lampeter?
The average cost of solar panels in East Lampeter is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind 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 Lampeter?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates 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 usually 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.