Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ephrata, PA (2023 Update)
- Ephrata Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
- 25-Year Savings: $15,398
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ephrata
We go over average solar pricing in Ephrata.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ephrata generally cost about 2.55. The average Ephrata homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,727 with the federal tax credit, or $16,770 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ephrata homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ephrata
| 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 Ephrata
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ephrata
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ephrata
For many Ephrata homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ephrata, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ephrata offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ephrata homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,629 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,458 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,429 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,543 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,801 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $39,200 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,743 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $50,428 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand 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 offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Ephrata, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ephrata?
The average cost of solar panels in Ephrata 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Ephrata?
A solar panel system isn't free in Ephrata, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Ephrata?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.