Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hanover, PA (Mar 2023)
- West Hanover Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $12,830
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hanover
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Hanover.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Hanover generally cost around 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,995 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in West Hanover based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average West Hanover homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in West Hanover, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Hanover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-9,016 |
| 5 years | $-7,030 |
| 7 years | $-5,044 |
| 9 years | $-3,058 |
| 11 years | $-1,072 |
| 13 years | $914 |
| 15 years | $2,900 |
| 17 years | $4,886 |
| 19 years | $6,872 |
| 21 years | $8,858 |
| 23 years | $10,844 |
| 25 years | $12,830 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hanover
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in West Hanover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hanover
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in West Hanover: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in West Hanover, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Hanover to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in West Hanover is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $11,039 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,004 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,112 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,363 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,756 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,293 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,972 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,794 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's West Hanover, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Hanover?
The average cost of solar panels in West Hanover 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 stuff like the type 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 Hanover?
Solar panels aren't free in West Hanover, 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 decide to replace them after having 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.