Solar Panel Cost Guide in West York, PA (2024 Update)

  • West York Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,365
  • Payback Period: 15.1 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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West York

We go over average solar pricing in West York.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West York typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West York, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,398, or $23,449 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average West York homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in West York, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West York

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,155
3 years $-12,669
5 years $-10,183
7 years $-7,697
9 years $-5,211
11 years $-2,726
13 years $-240
15 years $2,246
17 years $4,732
19 years $7,218
21 years $9,704
23 years $12,190
25 years $14,676

Top Solar Installers in West York

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in West York:

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 York

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West York

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 York: 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West York average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West York is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $9,174 15.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,630 15.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $16,284 15.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $20,137 14.8 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $24,189 14.5 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $28,440 14.2 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $32,889 13.9 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $37,538 13.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.

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 York, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in West York?

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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s 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% after installing solar panels."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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