Solar Panel Cost Guide in West York, PA (2023 Update)
- West York Solar Installation Cost: $11,779
- 25-Year Savings: $15,365
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West York
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West York.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West York, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in West York is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,781 for a solar installation, or $16,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West York find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,536 |
| 3 years | $-8,050 |
| 5 years | $-5,564 |
| 7 years | $-3,078 |
| 9 years | $-592 |
| 11 years | $1,894 |
| 13 years | $4,380 |
| 15 years | $6,866 |
| 17 years | $9,352 |
| 19 years | $11,838 |
| 21 years | $14,324 |
| 23 years | $16,809 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in West York
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West York
The cost of installing a solar system in West York can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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 $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West York, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many West York homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for West York homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. West York's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $13,542 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,342 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,284 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,369 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,597 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,968 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,481 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $50,138 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 York, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West York?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West York?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Does West York have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.