Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlestown, PA (2023 Update)
- Charlestown Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $14,972
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $11,674 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charlestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,608 |
| 3 years | $-8,476 |
| 5 years | $-6,345 |
| 7 years | $-4,213 |
| 9 years | $-2,082 |
| 11 years | $50 |
| 13 years | $2,182 |
| 15 years | $4,313 |
| 17 years | $6,445 |
| 19 years | $8,577 |
| 21 years | $10,708 |
| 23 years | $12,840 |
| 25 years | $14,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlestown
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Charlestown, optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Charlestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlestown
Though the average cost of a solar system in Charlestown is $11,674, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Charlestown. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Charlestown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Charlestown to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Charlestown is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Charlestown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $13,316 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,041 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,908 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,918 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,070 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,366 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,804 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,385 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Charlestown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charlestown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Charlestown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Charlestown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Charlestown is currently $407,703, which means you can look forward to a value of about $16,716 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Charlestown is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.