Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Lampeter, PA (2023 Update)
- West Lampeter Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $12,583
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Lampeter
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Lampeter.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Lampeter, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average West Lampeter 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Lampeter homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Lampeter can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in West Lampeter, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Lampeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,755 |
| 3 years | $-8,810 |
| 5 years | $-6,865 |
| 7 years | $-4,920 |
| 9 years | $-2,976 |
| 11 years | $-1,031 |
| 13 years | $914 |
| 15 years | $2,859 |
| 17 years | $4,804 |
| 19 years | $6,749 |
| 21 years | $8,694 |
| 23 years | $10,638 |
| 25 years | $12,583 |
Top Solar Installers in West Lampeter
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional 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 Lampeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Lampeter
The cost of installing a solar system in West Lampeter 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 your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation 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 $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Lampeter average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Lampeter have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $11,056 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,027 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,141 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,398 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,797 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,339 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,024 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,852 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Lampeter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Lampeter?
The average cost of solar panels in West Lampeter 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in West Lampeter?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Lampeter. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.