Solar Panel Cost Guide in East York, PA (2023 Update)
- East York Solar Installation Cost: $11,779
- 25-Year Savings: $15,365
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East York
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in East York.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East York it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,781 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in East York find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in East York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,536 |
| 3 years | $-8,050 |
| 5 years | $-5,564 |
| 7 years | $-3,078 |
| 9 years | $-592 |
| 11 years | $1,894 |
| 13 years | $4,380 |
| 15 years | $6,866 |
| 17 years | $9,352 |
| 19 years | $11,838 |
| 21 years | $14,324 |
| 23 years | $16,809 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in East York
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in East York, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East York
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in East York, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the East York average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many East York homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for East York homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in East York, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,542 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,342 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,284 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,369 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,597 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,968 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,481 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $50,138 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 York, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East York?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in East York?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.