Solar Panel Cost Guide in West View, PA (2023 Update)
- West View Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $15,449
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West View
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in West View.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West View typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West View, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,320, or $24,768 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West View find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West View
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-12,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,136 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,588 |
| 11 years | $686 |
| 13 years | $3,960 |
| 15 years | $7,233 |
| 17 years | $10,507 |
| 19 years | $13,781 |
| 21 years | $17,055 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in West View
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in West View, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
For many West View homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West View, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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 $3,550.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West View, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 View to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West View 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West View is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in West View know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,503 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,734 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,165 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,794 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,622 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,649 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,875 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,300 | 14.0 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West View?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in West View?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.