Solar Panel Cost Guide in Churchville, PA (2024 Update)
- Churchville Solar Installation Cost: $16,360
- 25-Year Savings: $14,894
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Churchville
We go over average solar pricing in Churchville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Churchville, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Churchville is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,360 for a solar installation, or $23,395 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Churchville homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Churchville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,070 |
| 3 years | $-12,489 |
| 5 years | $-9,908 |
| 7 years | $-7,328 |
| 9 years | $-4,747 |
| 11 years | $-2,167 |
| 13 years | $414 |
| 15 years | $2,994 |
| 17 years | $5,575 |
| 19 years | $8,155 |
| 21 years | $10,736 |
| 23 years | $13,317 |
| 25 years | $15,897 |
Top Solar Installers in Churchville
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Churchville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Churchville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Churchville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Churchville.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Churchville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Churchville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,778 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,101 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,623 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,344 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,264 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,383 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $31,701 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,217 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Churchville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Churchville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Churchville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Churchville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Churchville?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.