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

  • Norristown Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,891
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Norristown

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Norristown.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Norristown, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Norristown is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,365 for a solar installation, or $23,402 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Norristown homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits 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 Norristown

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,074
3 years $-12,494
5 years $-9,913
7 years $-7,333
9 years $-4,752
11 years $-2,172
13 years $409
15 years $2,990
17 years $5,570
19 years $8,151
21 years $10,731
23 years $13,312
25 years $15,892

Top Solar Installers in Norristown

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Norristown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norristown

The cost of installing a solar system in Norristown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Norristown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Norristown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $8,771 16.0 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $12,092 15.7 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $15,612 15.4 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $19,330 15.0 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $23,248 14.7 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $27,364 14.4 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $31,679 14.1 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $36,193 13.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Norristown, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norristown?

The average cost of solar panels in Norristown 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

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

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Norristown is currently $293,471, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,032 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Norristown is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Norristown?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.

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.

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