Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesterbrook, PA (2023 Update)

  • Chesterbrook Solar Installation Cost: $11,669
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,976
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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 Chesterbrook

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Chesterbrook.

The average cost of a solar system in Chesterbrook is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Chesterbrook is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,674 for a solar installation, or $16,694 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chesterbrook homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chesterbrook find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Chesterbrook

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,379
3 years $-7,799
5 years $-5,218
7 years $-2,638
9 years $-57
11 years $2,524
13 years $5,104
15 years $7,685
17 years $10,265
19 years $12,846
21 years $15,426
23 years $18,007
25 years $20,587

Top Solar Installers in Chesterbrook

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Chesterbrook, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Chesterbrook

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesterbrook

There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Chesterbrook, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Chesterbrook homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Chesterbrook, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chesterbrook know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Chesterbrook, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.

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 Chesterbrook, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Chesterbrook?

You can't get solar panels for free in Chesterbrook. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Chesterbrook?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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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