Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hempfield, PA (2023 Update)
- West Hempfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $12,767
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hempfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Hempfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Hempfield, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Hempfield, the average price of going solar will be about $11,727 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Hempfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Hempfield see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Hempfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,748 |
| 3 years | $-8,788 |
| 5 years | $-6,829 |
| 7 years | $-4,869 |
| 9 years | $-2,909 |
| 11 years | $-950 |
| 13 years | $1,010 |
| 15 years | $2,969 |
| 17 years | $4,929 |
| 19 years | $6,888 |
| 21 years | $8,848 |
| 23 years | $10,807 |
| 25 years | $12,767 |
Top Solar Installers in West Hempfield
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in West Hempfield, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in West Hempfield, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hempfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hempfield
The cost of installing a solar system in West Hempfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in West Hempfield. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Hempfield, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. West Hempfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,224 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,251 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,421 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,733 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,189 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,787 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,528 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,411 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in West Hempfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes 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 Hempfield, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Hempfield?
The average cost of solar panels in West Hempfield is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type 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 Hempfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Hempfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 Hempfield?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.