Solar Panel Cost Guide in Churchville, PA (2024 Update)
- Churchville Solar Installation Cost: $16,360
- 25-Year Savings: $14,894
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Churchville
We go over average solar pricing in Churchville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Churchville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Churchville is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,360 for a solar installation, or $23,395 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Churchville see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Churchville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Churchville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,070 |
| 3 years | $-12,489 |
| 5 years | $-9,908 |
| 7 years | $-7,328 |
| 9 years | $-4,747 |
| 11 years | $-2,167 |
| 13 years | $414 |
| 15 years | $2,994 |
| 17 years | $5,575 |
| 19 years | $8,155 |
| 21 years | $10,736 |
| 23 years | $13,317 |
| 25 years | $15,897 |
Top Solar Installers in Churchville
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel 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 Churchville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Churchville
There are several 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Churchville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Churchville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Churchville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,778 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,101 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,623 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,344 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,264 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,383 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,701 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,217 | 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Churchville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Churchville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Churchville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Churchville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Churchville?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.