Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, PA (2023 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
- 25-Year Savings: $16,635
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
We break down average solar pricing in Montgomery.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Montgomery it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,763 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Montgomery homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Montgomery see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Montgomery, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,660 |
| 3 years | $-11,471 |
| 5 years | $-11,282 |
| 7 years | $-11,092 |
| 9 years | $-10,903 |
| 11 years | $-10,714 |
| 13 years | $-10,525 |
| 15 years | $-10,335 |
| 17 years | $-10,146 |
| 19 years | $-9,957 |
| 21 years | $-9,768 |
| 23 years | $-9,578 |
| 25 years | $-9,389 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
Though the average cost of a solar system in Montgomery is $11,763, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Montgomery homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering 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
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Montgomery, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,728 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $19,922 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $25,260 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $30,740 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $36,363 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $42,129 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $48,038 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $54,090 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Montgomery, 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Montgomery, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montgomery?
The average cost of solar panels in Montgomery is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model 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 Montgomery?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Montgomery is currently $331,518, so you can look forward to a value of about $13,592 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Montgomery is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.