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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Whiteland

We break down average solar pricing in West Whiteland.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Whiteland it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $16,246 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Whiteland homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in West Whiteland can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in West Whiteland, you can click the button below.

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 requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

For many West Whiteland homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Whiteland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in West Whiteland.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in West Whiteland offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. West Whiteland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in West Whiteland 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 $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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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?

The average cost of solar panels in West Whiteland is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Whiteland?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Whiteland is currently $546,304, which means you can look forward to a value of about $22,398 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Whiteland is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

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