Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, PA (2024 Update)

  • Chester Solar Installation Cost: $16,181
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,023
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Chester.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chester, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chester is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,181 for a solar installation, or $23,139 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Chester

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,890
3 years $-12,310
5 years $-9,729
7 years $-7,149
9 years $-4,568
11 years $-1,988
13 years $593
15 years $3,174
17 years $5,754
19 years $8,335
21 years $10,915
23 years $13,496
25 years $16,076

Top Solar Installers in Chester

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you're searching for a solar company in Chester, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Chester

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester

For many Chester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chester to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Chester homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

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 $9,047 15.8 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,460 15.5 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $16,072 15.2 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $19,882 14.9 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $23,892 14.6 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $28,100 14.3 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $32,508 14.0 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $37,113 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • 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 significant role in the company you go with.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Chester, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chester?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Does Chester have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer 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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.

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