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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlestown

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Charlestown.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Charlestown it’s 4 per watt.The average Charlestown homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,797 with the federal tax credit, or $35,460 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Charlestown find going solar has a decent ROI.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Charlestown, you can click the button below.

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

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Charlestown:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Charlestown: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,100.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Charlestown average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Charlestown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Charlestown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Charlestown is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

The average cost of solar panels in Charlestown is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels 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 you can take advantage of.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Charlestown?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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.

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