Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chalfont, PA (Mar 2023)
- Chalfont Solar Installation Cost: $11,745
- 25-Year Savings: $13,733
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chalfont
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Chalfont.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chalfont generally cost around 2.55. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Chalfont, the average price of going solar will be about $11,745 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chalfont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,726 |
| 3 years | $-8,688 |
| 5 years | $-6,650 |
| 7 years | $-4,611 |
| 9 years | $-2,573 |
| 11 years | $-535 |
| 13 years | $1,503 |
| 15 years | $3,542 |
| 17 years | $5,580 |
| 19 years | $7,618 |
| 21 years | $9,656 |
| 23 years | $11,695 |
| 25 years | $13,733 |
Top Solar Installers in Chalfont
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Chalfont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chalfont
The cost of installing a solar system in Chalfont can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chalfont offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chalfont homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Chalfont, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 add-on 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,082 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,395 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,850 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,449 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,190 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,074 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,101 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,270 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Chalfont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Chalfont, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chalfont?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chalfont?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Chalfont have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.