Solar Panel Cost Guide in West View, PA (2023 Update)
- West View Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $15,449
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West View
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West View.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West View generally cost about 2.55. The average solar panel system size in West View is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,441 for a solar installation, or $17,791 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in West View can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in West View that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,326 |
| 3 years | $-9,095 |
| 5 years | $-6,863 |
| 7 years | $-4,632 |
| 9 years | $-2,401 |
| 11 years | $-170 |
| 13 years | $2,062 |
| 15 years | $4,293 |
| 17 years | $6,524 |
| 19 years | $8,755 |
| 21 years | $10,987 |
| 23 years | $13,218 |
| 25 years | $15,449 |
Top Solar Installers in West View
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 View
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West View
The cost of installing a solar system in West View can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West View average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in West View, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West View, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $12,871 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,446 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,165 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,026 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,030 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,177 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,467 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,900 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in West View, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 View, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West View?
The average cost of solar panels in West View 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 certain factors such as the kind 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?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in West View?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.