Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chartiers, PA (2024 Update)
- Chartiers Solar Installation Cost: $17,152
- 25-Year Savings: $8,723
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chartiers
We go over average solar pricing in Chartiers.
In Chartiers, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Chartiers homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,152 with the federal tax credit, or $24,527 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With average savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chartiers find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chartiers
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,069 |
| 3 years | $-13,904 |
| 5 years | $-11,738 |
| 7 years | $-9,572 |
| 9 years | $-7,406 |
| 11 years | $-5,240 |
| 13 years | $-3,075 |
| 15 years | $-909 |
| 17 years | $1,257 |
| 19 years | $3,423 |
| 21 years | $5,589 |
| 23 years | $7,754 |
| 25 years | $9,920 |
Top Solar Installers in Chartiers
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Chartiers
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chartiers
There are many criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Chartiers, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 Chartiers to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due 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 companies.
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 | $2,786 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,112 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,638 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,362 | 20.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,284 | 19.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,406 | 19.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,726 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,245 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Chartiers, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chartiers?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.