Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Cocalico, PA (2024 Update)
- West Cocalico Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,531
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Cocalico
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Cocalico.
In West Cocalico, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Cocalico, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,331, or $23,353 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in West Cocalico based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Cocalico find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in West Cocalico, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Cocalico
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,047 |
| 3 years | $-12,479 |
| 5 years | $-9,911 |
| 7 years | $-7,343 |
| 9 years | $-4,775 |
| 11 years | $-2,207 |
| 13 years | $361 |
| 15 years | $2,929 |
| 17 years | $5,497 |
| 19 years | $8,065 |
| 21 years | $10,633 |
| 23 years | $13,201 |
| 25 years | $15,769 |
Top Solar Installers in West Cocalico
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 West Cocalico
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Cocalico
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in West Cocalico: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Cocalico, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Cocalico is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in West Cocalico are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $7,557 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,473 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,589 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,903 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,416 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,127 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,038 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,147 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model 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 peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check 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 West Cocalico, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Cocalico?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Cocalico?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Cocalico. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in West Cocalico?
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 West Cocalico?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.