Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ephrata, PA (2024 Update)
- Ephrata Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $15,398
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ephrata
We break down average solar pricing in Ephrata.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ephrata, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,331 before the 0 federal solar 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.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Ephrata, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ephrata
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,986 |
| 3 years | $-12,295 |
| 5 years | $-9,604 |
| 7 years | $-6,912 |
| 9 years | $-4,221 |
| 11 years | $-1,530 |
| 13 years | $1,161 |
| 15 years | $3,852 |
| 17 years | $6,544 |
| 19 years | $9,235 |
| 21 years | $11,926 |
| 23 years | $14,617 |
| 25 years | $17,308 |
Top Solar Installers in Ephrata
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
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 near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Ephrata
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ephrata
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ephrata is $16,331, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 around $3,550. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ephrata have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Ephrata, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $9,261 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,746 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,429 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $20,311 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $24,393 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,672 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $33,151 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,828 | 13.5 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ephrata?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ephrata?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.