Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlestown, IN (2024 Update)
- Charlestown Solar Installation Cost: $24,797
- 25-Year Savings: $24,222
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlestown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Charlestown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Charlestown typically cost about 4.Since a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Charlestown, the average price of going solar will be about $24,797 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Charlestown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Charlestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,471 |
| 3 years | $-20,820 |
| 5 years | $-18,169 |
| 7 years | $-15,518 |
| 9 years | $-12,867 |
| 11 years | $-10,215 |
| 13 years | $-7,564 |
| 15 years | $-4,913 |
| 17 years | $-2,262 |
| 19 years | $390 |
| 21 years | $3,041 |
| 23 years | $5,692 |
| 25 years | $8,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlestown
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Charlestown, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Charlestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlestown
The cost of installing a solar system in Charlestown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Charlestown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Charlestown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.26 | $17,909 | $10,168 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $14,016 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $18,094 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $22,402 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $26,939 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $31,706 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $36,702 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $41,928 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Charlestown, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charlestown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Charlestown?
Solar panels aren’t free in Charlestown, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Charlestown have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need 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 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 cover 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.