Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Whiteland, PA (2023 Update)
- East Whiteland Solar Installation Cost: $11,669
- 25-Year Savings: $14,976
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Whiteland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in East Whiteland.
In East Whiteland, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average East Whiteland homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,674 with the federal tax credit, or $16,694 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in East Whiteland depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in East Whiteland find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in East Whiteland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Whiteland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,379 |
| 3 years | $-7,799 |
| 5 years | $-5,218 |
| 7 years | $-2,638 |
| 9 years | $-57 |
| 11 years | $2,524 |
| 13 years | $5,104 |
| 15 years | $7,685 |
| 17 years | $10,265 |
| 19 years | $12,846 |
| 21 years | $15,426 |
| 23 years | $18,007 |
| 25 years | $20,587 |
Top Solar Installers in East Whiteland
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar 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 Whiteland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Whiteland
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in East Whiteland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the East Whiteland average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally 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 add-on 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,316 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,041 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,908 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,918 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,070 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,366 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,804 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,385 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Whiteland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Whiteland?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Whiteland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in East Whiteland?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.