Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Cocalico, PA (2023 Update)
- West Cocalico Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $13,535
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Cocalico
We go over average solar pricing in West Cocalico.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Cocalico it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in West Cocalico, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Cocalico based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in West Cocalico for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Cocalico
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,717 |
| 3 years | $-8,696 |
| 5 years | $-6,675 |
| 7 years | $-4,654 |
| 9 years | $-2,633 |
| 11 years | $-612 |
| 13 years | $1,409 |
| 15 years | $3,430 |
| 17 years | $5,451 |
| 19 years | $7,472 |
| 21 years | $9,493 |
| 23 years | $11,514 |
| 25 years | $13,535 |
Top Solar Installers in West Cocalico
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in West Cocalico:
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 West Cocalico
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Cocalico
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in West Cocalico: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in West Cocalico. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many West Cocalico homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. West Cocalico's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $11,925 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,185 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,589 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,135 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,824 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,655 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,630 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,747 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 West Cocalico, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Cocalico?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Cocalico?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Cocalico. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Cocalico, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 amount of 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 get 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.