Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norristown, PA (Jun 2022)
- Norristown Solar Installation Cost: $12,435
- 25-Year Savings: $14,210
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Updated 5/26/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norristown
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Norristown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Norristown it's $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6 would cost about $12,435 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Norristown can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Norristown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Norristown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,370 |
| 3 years | $-9,238 |
| 5 years | $-7,106 |
| 7 years | $-4,975 |
| 9 years | $-2,843 |
| 11 years | $-711 |
| 13 years | $1,420 |
| 15 years | $3,552 |
| 17 years | $5,684 |
| 19 years | $7,815 |
| 21 years | $9,947 |
| 23 years | $12,079 |
| 25 years | $14,210 |
Top Solar Installers in Norristown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Norristown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norristown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Norristown: 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 Size
System size is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Norristown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $11,775 | $12,502 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $15,398 | $16,971 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $18,870 | $21,592 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $22,191 | $26,363 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $25,361 | $31,285 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $28,380 | $36,358 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $31,249 | $41,582 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $33,966 | $46,957 | 10.5 years |
Solar Incentives in Norristown
| Name | Solar Alternative Energy Credits |
| Incentive Amount | Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices. |
| Incentive Max | Varies based on market conditions; SACP does not represent a price ceiling because it is only determined after the fact |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | High Performance Building Incentives Program |
| Incentive Amount | Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding |
| Incentive Max | Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000 Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | High Performance Buildings Incentive Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds 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 need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Norristown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norristown?
The average cost of solar panels in Norristown 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Norristown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Norristown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
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 $230,312, so you can expect about a value of about $9,443 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Norristown is a worthwhile investment.
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 level 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.
