Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Whiteland, PA (2023 Update)
- West Whiteland Solar Installation Cost: $11,669
- 25-Year Savings: $14,976
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Whiteland
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in West Whiteland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Whiteland it's 2.55 per watt. The average West Whiteland homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,674 with the federal tax credit, or $16,694 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Whiteland find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in West Whiteland for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Whiteland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,581 |
| 3 years | $-11,403 |
| 5 years | $-11,225 |
| 7 years | $-11,048 |
| 9 years | $-10,870 |
| 11 years | $-10,692 |
| 13 years | $-10,515 |
| 15 years | $-10,337 |
| 17 years | $-10,159 |
| 19 years | $-9,982 |
| 21 years | $-9,804 |
| 23 years | $-9,627 |
| 25 years | $-9,449 |
Top Solar Installers in West Whiteland
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in West Whiteland, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Whiteland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Whiteland
Though the average cost of a solar system in West Whiteland is $11,674, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $13,316 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,041 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,908 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,918 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,070 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,366 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,804 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,385 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in West Whiteland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Whiteland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Whiteland?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Whiteland?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Whiteland?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.