Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Earl, PA (2023 Update)
- West Earl Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
- 25-Year Savings: $13,348
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Earl
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Earl.
In West Earl, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average West Earl 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 West Earl homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in West Earl that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Earl
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,647 |
| 3 years | $-11,480 |
| 5 years | $-11,313 |
| 7 years | $-11,146 |
| 9 years | $-10,979 |
| 11 years | $-10,811 |
| 13 years | $-10,644 |
| 15 years | $-10,477 |
| 17 years | $-10,310 |
| 19 years | $-10,143 |
| 21 years | $-9,975 |
| 23 years | $-9,808 |
| 25 years | $-9,641 |
Top Solar Installers in West Earl
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 West Earl
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Earl
The cost of installing a solar system in West Earl can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Earl have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, 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 installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $11,758 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,963 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,311 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,801 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,434 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,210 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,129 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,191 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Earl, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Earl?
The average cost of solar panels in West Earl 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Earl?
A solar panel system isn't free in West Earl, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Earl, 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.
How long do solar panels last in West Earl?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.