Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Lampeter, PA (2023 Update)
- East Lampeter Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
- 25-Year Savings: $12,580
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Lampeter
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in East Lampeter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Lampeter it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in East Lampeter, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Lampeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,385 |
| 3 years | $-7,694 |
| 5 years | $-5,003 |
| 7 years | $-2,312 |
| 9 years | $379 |
| 11 years | $3,070 |
| 13 years | $5,762 |
| 15 years | $8,453 |
| 17 years | $11,144 |
| 19 years | $13,835 |
| 21 years | $16,526 |
| 23 years | $19,218 |
| 25 years | $21,909 |
Top Solar Installers in East Lampeter
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in East Lampeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Lampeter
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Lampeter to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
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
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.