Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Rockhill, PA (2023 Update)
- West Rockhill Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
- 25-Year Savings: $13,951
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Rockhill
We break down average solar pricing in West Rockhill.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Rockhill generally cost around 2.55. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Rockhill, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,745, or $16,795 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Rockhill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,717 |
| 3 years | $-8,662 |
| 5 years | $-6,606 |
| 7 years | $-4,550 |
| 9 years | $-2,495 |
| 11 years | $-439 |
| 13 years | $1,617 |
| 15 years | $3,673 |
| 17 years | $5,728 |
| 19 years | $7,784 |
| 21 years | $9,840 |
| 23 years | $11,895 |
| 25 years | $13,951 |
Top Solar Installers in West Rockhill
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
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 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 Rockhill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Rockhill
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in West Rockhill: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many West Rockhill homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Rockhill, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,281 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,660 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,182 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,847 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,654 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,605 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,698 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,934 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Rockhill, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Rockhill?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly 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 solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.