Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, PA (2025 Update)
- York Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $14,801
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in York
We go over average solar pricing in York.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in York it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average York homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in York for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in 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 York
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in York, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York
For many York homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in York, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like York, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in York to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $8,661 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,945 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,429 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,111 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,992 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,071 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,350 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $35,827 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
EcoWatch's York, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in York?
The average cost of solar panels in York 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in York?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in York?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.