Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, PA (2023 Update)
- York Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
- 25-Year Savings: $14,799
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in York
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in York.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in York generally cost about 2.55. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in York, the average price of going solar will be about $11,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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 York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,718 |
| 3 years | $-8,591 |
| 5 years | $-6,465 |
| 7 years | $-4,339 |
| 9 years | $-2,212 |
| 11 years | $-86 |
| 13 years | $2,040 |
| 15 years | $4,167 |
| 17 years | $6,293 |
| 19 years | $8,420 |
| 21 years | $10,546 |
| 23 years | $12,672 |
| 25 years | $14,799 |
Top Solar Installers in York
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in York: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many York homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in York are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,029 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,657 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,429 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,343 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $32,400 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $37,599 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $42,942 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $48,427 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations 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 make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in York?
A solar panel system isn't free in York, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in York is currently $155,227, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,364 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in York is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.