Solar Panel Cost Guide in Potter, PA (2024 Update)
- Potter Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $14,000
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Potter
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Potter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Potter it’s 4 per watt.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Potter, the average price of going solar will be about $17,416 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Potter based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Potter can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Potter for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Potter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,939 |
| 3 years | $-12,984 |
| 5 years | $-10,029 |
| 7 years | $-7,074 |
| 9 years | $-4,119 |
| 11 years | $-1,164 |
| 13 years | $1,791 |
| 15 years | $4,746 |
| 17 years | $7,701 |
| 19 years | $10,656 |
| 21 years | $13,611 |
| 23 years | $16,566 |
| 25 years | $19,521 |
Top Solar Installers in Potter
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Potter:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Potter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Potter
For many Potter homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Potter, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Potter provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Potter is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,189 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,983 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,976 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,167 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,557 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,146 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,934 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,921 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Potter, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Potter?
The average cost of solar panels in Potter 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 stuff like the kind 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 Potter?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 Potter is currently $290,002, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,890 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Potter is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.