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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Lampeter it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,331 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Lampeter see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in West Lampeter, you can click the button below.
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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in West Lampeter: 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
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Lampeter provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Lampeter homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:
- 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 project through, but will also provide adequate 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. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's West Lampeter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Lampeter?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Lampeter?
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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $739.82 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.