Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Earl, PA (2024 Update)
- West Earl Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $13,348
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Earl
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Earl.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Earl typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,331 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Earl 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.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in West Earl can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Earl
| 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 West Earl
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Earl
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Earl
For many West Earl homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Earl, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in West Earl, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. West Earl’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,390 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,251 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,311 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,569 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,026 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,682 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,537 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,591 | 14.7 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Earl, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Earl?
The average cost of solar panels in West Earl is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Earl?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $763.21 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.