Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Mead, PA (2024 Update)
- West Mead Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $18,920
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Mead
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Mead.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Mead typically cost about 4.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Mead, the average price of going solar will be about $17,636 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in West Mead depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average West Mead homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in West Mead for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Mead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,159 |
| 3 years | $-13,204 |
| 5 years | $-10,249 |
| 7 years | $-7,294 |
| 9 years | $-4,339 |
| 11 years | $-1,384 |
| 13 years | $1,571 |
| 15 years | $4,526 |
| 17 years | $7,481 |
| 19 years | $10,436 |
| 21 years | $13,390 |
| 23 years | $16,345 |
| 25 years | $19,300 |
Top Solar Installers in West Mead
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Mead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Mead
For many West Mead homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on 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 several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Mead, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Mead to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Mead homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. West Mead’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $11,198 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $15,329 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $19,658 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $24,186 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $28,913 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $33,839 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $38,963 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $44,286 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose 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 keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Mead, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Mead?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Mead is currently $182,013, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,463 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Mead is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.