Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chambersburg, PA (2024 Update)
- Chambersburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $20,381
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chambersburg
See how much it might cost to go solar in Chambersburg.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chambersburg typically cost about 4.The average Chambersburg homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,556 with the federal tax credit, or $23,675 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chambersburg find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Chambersburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chambersburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,079 |
| 3 years | $-12,124 |
| 5 years | $-9,169 |
| 7 years | $-6,214 |
| 9 years | $-3,259 |
| 11 years | $-304 |
| 13 years | $2,651 |
| 15 years | $5,606 |
| 17 years | $8,561 |
| 19 years | $11,516 |
| 21 years | $14,471 |
| 23 years | $17,426 |
| 25 years | $20,381 |
Top Solar Installers in Chambersburg
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Chambersburg, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chambersburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chambersburg
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Chambersburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Chambersburg.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chambersburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chambersburg to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to include 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 last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Chambersburg, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and 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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $8,322 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,494 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,865 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,434 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,202 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,169 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,335 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,699 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Chambersburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project 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 Chambersburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chambersburg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chambersburg is currently $260,402, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,676 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chambersburg is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.