Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reading, OH (2025 Update)
- Reading Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $10,949
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reading
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Reading.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Reading, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Reading, the average price of going solar will be about $17,636 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Reading for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Reading
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,471 |
| 3 years | $-14,141 |
| 5 years | $-11,811 |
| 7 years | $-9,481 |
| 9 years | $-7,151 |
| 11 years | $-4,821 |
| 13 years | $-2,491 |
| 15 years | $-161 |
| 17 years | $2,169 |
| 19 years | $4,499 |
| 21 years | $6,828 |
| 23 years | $9,158 |
| 25 years | $11,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Reading
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Reading, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Reading
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reading
There are several criteria that can determine your total 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,410 per kilowatt in Reading.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Reading is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $4,748 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $6,713 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $8,868 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $11,215 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $13,752 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $16,481 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $19,400 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $22,511 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Reading, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing 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 acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
EcoWatch's Reading, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Reading?
The average cost of solar panels in Reading is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Reading?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Reading, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.