Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chestnuthill, PA (Feb 2023)
- Chestnuthill Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $12,602
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chestnuthill
We go over average solar pricing in Chestnuthill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chestnuthill, the typical cost of solar panels is $3 per watt. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Chestnuthill, the average price of going solar will be about $12,138 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Chestnuthill homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Chestnuthill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,148 |
| 3 years | $-9,169 |
| 5 years | $-7,190 |
| 7 years | $-5,211 |
| 9 years | $-3,232 |
| 11 years | $-1,253 |
| 13 years | $727 |
| 15 years | $2,706 |
| 17 years | $4,685 |
| 19 years | $6,664 |
| 21 years | $8,643 |
| 23 years | $10,622 |
| 25 years | $12,602 |
Top Solar Installers in Chestnuthill
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Chestnuthill, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chestnuthill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chestnuthill
The cost of installing a solar system in Chestnuthill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Chestnuthill, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 Chestnuthill to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better 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 lower 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 | $10,685 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,533 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,523 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,656 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,932 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,350 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,912 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,616 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project 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 Chestnuthill, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chestnuthill?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chestnuthill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chestnuthill?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 account for 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.