Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Whiteland, PA (2024 Update)
- West Whiteland Solar Installation Cost: $16,246
- 25-Year Savings: $16,011
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Whiteland
We break down average solar pricing in West Whiteland.
The average cost of a solar system in West Whiteland is 4 per watt.The average West Whiteland homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,246 with the federal tax credit, or $23,232 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in West Whiteland depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average West Whiteland homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in West Whiteland for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Whiteland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,955 |
| 3 years | $-12,375 |
| 5 years | $-9,794 |
| 7 years | $-7,214 |
| 9 years | $-4,633 |
| 11 years | $-2,053 |
| 13 years | $528 |
| 15 years | $3,108 |
| 17 years | $5,689 |
| 19 years | $8,270 |
| 21 years | $10,850 |
| 23 years | $13,431 |
| 25 years | $16,011 |
Top Solar Installers in West Whiteland
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in West Whiteland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Whiteland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in West Whiteland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Whiteland to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $8,948 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,329 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,908 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,686 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,662 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,838 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,212 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,785 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's West Whiteland, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Whiteland?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Whiteland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably 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% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.