Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlestown, PA (2025 Update)
- Charlestown Solar Installation Cost: $16,246
- 25-Year Savings: $14,976
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlestown
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Charlestown.
In Charlestown, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Charlestown is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,246 for a solar installation, or $23,232 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Charlestown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Charlestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,955 |
| 3 years | $-12,375 |
| 5 years | $-9,794 |
| 7 years | $-7,214 |
| 9 years | $-4,633 |
| 11 years | $-2,053 |
| 13 years | $528 |
| 15 years | $3,108 |
| 17 years | $5,689 |
| 19 years | $8,270 |
| 21 years | $10,850 |
| 23 years | $13,431 |
| 25 years | $16,011 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlestown
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Charlestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlestown
While the average cost of a solar system in Charlestown is $16,246, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Charlestown average.
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. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Charlestown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,948 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,329 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,908 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,686 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,662 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,838 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,212 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,785 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to read 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.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Charlestown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Charlestown?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlestown is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.