Solar Panel Cost Guide in Potter, PA (Mar 2023)
- Potter Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $13,997
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Potter
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Potter.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Potter, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Potter is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,513 for a solar installation, or $17,894 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Potter based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Potter for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Potter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,452 |
| 3 years | $-9,332 |
| 5 years | $-7,211 |
| 7 years | $-5,090 |
| 9 years | $-2,969 |
| 11 years | $-848 |
| 13 years | $1,272 |
| 15 years | $3,393 |
| 17 years | $5,514 |
| 19 years | $7,635 |
| 21 years | $9,756 |
| 23 years | $11,877 |
| 25 years | $13,997 |
Top Solar Installers in Potter
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Potter, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Potter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Potter
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Potter is $12,513, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Potter. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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 Potter to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Potter, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Potter are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,557 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,695 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,976 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,399 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,965 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,674 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,526 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,521 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Potter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Potter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Potter?
The average cost of solar panels in Potter is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 Potter?
A solar panel system isn't free in Potter, 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 can help lower the cost.
Does Potter have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 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.