Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, PA (2024 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $16,635
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Montgomery.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Montgomery it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,365 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Montgomery homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,047 |
| 3 years | $-12,411 |
| 5 years | $-9,775 |
| 7 years | $-7,139 |
| 9 years | $-4,503 |
| 11 years | $-1,867 |
| 13 years | $769 |
| 15 years | $3,404 |
| 17 years | $6,040 |
| 19 years | $8,676 |
| 21 years | $11,312 |
| 23 years | $13,948 |
| 25 years | $16,584 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
Cost is often 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 Montgomery: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 per kilowatt in Montgomery.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Montgomery, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Montgomery offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Montgomery homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Montgomery’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $10,360 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $14,210 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $18,260 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $22,508 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $26,955 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $31,601 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $36,446 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $41,490 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Montgomery?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Montgomery, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Montgomery?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.