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

  • Chippewa Solar Installation Cost: $17,357
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,511
  • Payback Period: 16.1 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 Chippewa

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

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chippewa, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Chippewa, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,357, or $24,821 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Chippewa can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Chippewa

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,720
3 years$-12,446
5 years$-9,172
7 years$-5,899
9 years$-2,625
11 years$649
13 years$3,923
15 years$7,197
17 years$10,471
19 years$13,744
21 years$17,018
23 years$20,292
25 years$23,566

Top Solar Installers in Chippewa

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Advertisement

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 Chippewa

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chippewa

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

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,550. 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chippewa average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chippewa 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 drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Chippewa’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$7,66916.7 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$10,62216.4 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$13,77516.1 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$17,12615.8 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$20,67715.4 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$24,42615.1 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$28,37314.8 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$32,52014.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Advertisement

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 Chippewa, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chippewa?

The average cost of solar panels in Chippewa 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.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

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

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.