Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Lampeter, PA (2024 Update)
- West Lampeter Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $12,580
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Lampeter
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Lampeter.
The average cost of solar panels in West Lampeter is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Lampeter 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 prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Lampeter see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in West Lampeter that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Lampeter
| Year | Return 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 Lampeter
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar company in West Lampeter, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Lampeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Lampeter
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in West Lampeter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,550 per kilowatt in West Lampeter.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Lampeter, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Lampeter to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When figuring out 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 solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Lampeter, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,688 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,315 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,141 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,166 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,389 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,811 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,432 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,252 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in West Lampeter, 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's West Lampeter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Lampeter?
The average cost of solar panels in West Lampeter is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Lampeter?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West Lampeter, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.