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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Earl

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Earl.

The average cost of a solar panel system in West Earl is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Earl is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,331 for a solar installation, or $23,353 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in West Earl depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average West Earl homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West Earl

YearReturn 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

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 install a solar energy system 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 a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,550. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Earl, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$7,39016.9 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$10,25116.6 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$13,31116.3 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$16,56916.0 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$20,02615.6 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$23,68215.3 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$27,53715.0 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$31,59114.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power 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 what the project timeline is.
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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Earl?

This is a difficult 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. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Earl?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate 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 contact 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, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.