Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Mead, PA (Mar 2023)
- West Mead Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $18,915
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Mead
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Mead.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Mead it's 2.55 per watt. The average West Mead homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,674 with the federal tax credit, or $18,124 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in West Mead depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Mead find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in West Mead for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in West Mead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,410 |
| 3 years | $-8,883 |
| 5 years | $-6,356 |
| 7 years | $-3,829 |
| 9 years | $-1,302 |
| 11 years | $1,225 |
| 13 years | $3,752 |
| 15 years | $6,279 |
| 17 years | $8,807 |
| 19 years | $11,334 |
| 21 years | $13,861 |
| 23 years | $16,388 |
| 25 years | $18,915 |
Top Solar Installers in West Mead
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 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 Mead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Mead
For many West Mead homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Mead, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in West Mead. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in West Mead is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in West Mead have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $15,566 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,041 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $26,658 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $32,418 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $38,321 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $44,367 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $50,555 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $56,886 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in 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 Mead, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Mead?
The average cost of solar panels in West Mead 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 long do solar panels last in West Mead?
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 level 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.