Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Salem, PA (2023 Update)
- West Salem Solar Installation Cost: $12,573
- 25-Year Savings: $14,806
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Salem
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in West Salem.
In West Salem, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West Salem, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,566, or $17,969 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in West Salem based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in West Salem, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,212 |
| 3 years | $-8,489 |
| 5 years | $-5,767 |
| 7 years | $-3,045 |
| 9 years | $-323 |
| 11 years | $2,399 |
| 13 years | $5,121 |
| 15 years | $7,843 |
| 17 years | $10,565 |
| 19 years | $13,288 |
| 21 years | $16,010 |
| 23 years | $18,732 |
| 25 years | $21,454 |
Top Solar Installers in West Salem
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in West Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Salem
For many West Salem homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Salem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly 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. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Salem average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many West Salem homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West Salem homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in West Salem are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage 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 | $12,184 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,531 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,021 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,653 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,429 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,347 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,408 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,612 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's West Salem, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Salem?
The average cost of solar panels in West Salem is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $777.42 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Salem?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.