Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cheltenham, PA (2024 Update)
- Cheltenham Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cheltenham
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Cheltenham.
The average cost of a solar system in Cheltenham is 4 per watt.Because a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cheltenham, the average price of going solar will be about $16,365 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Cheltenham homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cheltenham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,074 |
| 3 years | $-12,494 |
| 5 years | $-9,913 |
| 7 years | $-7,333 |
| 9 years | $-4,752 |
| 11 years | $-2,172 |
| 13 years | $409 |
| 15 years | $2,990 |
| 17 years | $5,570 |
| 19 years | $8,151 |
| 21 years | $10,731 |
| 23 years | $13,312 |
| 25 years | $15,892 |
Top Solar Installers in Cheltenham
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Cheltenham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cheltenham
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Cheltenham, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cheltenham to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Cheltenham, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better 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 | $8,771 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,092 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,612 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,330 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,248 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,364 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,679 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,193 | 13.8 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Cheltenham, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cheltenham?
The average cost of solar panels in Cheltenham is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cheltenham?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cheltenham is currently $365,753, which means you can look forward to a value of about $14,996 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cheltenham is a rewarding investment.
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 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 install 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.