Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charleroi, PA (2023 Update)
- Charleroi Solar Installation Cost: $12,316
- 25-Year Savings: $8,727
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charleroi
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Charleroi.
The average cost of a solar system in Charleroi is 2.55 per watt. The average Charleroi homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,316 with the federal tax credit, or $17,612 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Charleroi homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Charleroi can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Charleroi, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charleroi
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,475 |
| 3 years | $-9,791 |
| 5 years | $-8,108 |
| 7 years | $-6,424 |
| 9 years | $-4,741 |
| 11 years | $-3,057 |
| 13 years | $-1,374 |
| 15 years | $310 |
| 17 years | $1,993 |
| 19 years | $3,677 |
| 21 years | $5,360 |
| 23 years | $7,044 |
| 25 years | $8,727 |
Top Solar Installers in Charleroi
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Charleroi
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charleroi
Though the average cost of a solar system in Charleroi is $12,316, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Charleroi. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Charleroi offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Charleroi is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $7,154 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,824 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,638 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,594 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,692 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,934 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $25,318 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $28,845 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Charleroi, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charleroi?
The average cost of solar panels in Charleroi is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Charleroi?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 Charleroi have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 amount of 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 get 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.