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

  • Chestnuthill Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,599
  • Payback Period: 17.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Chestnuthill

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chestnuthill.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chestnuthill it’s 4 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 $16,902 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chestnuthill homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Chestnuthill can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Chestnuthill that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Chestnuthill

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,613
3 years$-13,036
5 years$-10,459
7 years$-7,882
9 years$-5,305
11 years$-2,728
13 years$-150
15 years$2,427
17 years$5,004
19 years$7,581
21 years$10,158
23 years$12,735
25 years$15,313

Top Solar Installers in Chestnuthill

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Chestnuthill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chestnuthill

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Chestnuthill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Chestnuthill, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Chestnuthill offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Chestnuthill is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$6,31717.8 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$8,82117.4 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$11,52317.1 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$14,42416.7 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$17,52416.4 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$20,82216.1 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$24,32015.7 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$28,01615.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Chestnuthill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Chestnuthill, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Chestnuthill?

Solar panels aren’t free in Chestnuthill, 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chestnuthill?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.