Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pottstown, PA (2024 Update)
- Pottstown Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,367
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pottstown
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Pottstown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pottstown generally cost around 4.The average Pottstown homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,365 with the federal tax credit, or $23,402 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Pottstown depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Pottstown homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pottstown
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,122 |
3 years | $-12,636 |
5 years | $-10,150 |
7 years | $-7,664 |
9 years | $-5,178 |
11 years | $-2,692 |
13 years | $-206 |
15 years | $2,280 |
17 years | $4,766 |
19 years | $7,252 |
21 years | $9,738 |
23 years | $12,224 |
25 years | $14,710 |
Top Solar Installers in Pottstown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Pottstown:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Pottstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pottstown
The cost of installing a solar system in Pottstown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Pottstown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Pottstown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pottstown have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Pottstown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $8,293 | 16.3 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,455 | 16.0 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,816 | 15.7 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,375 | 15.3 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,134 | 15.0 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,091 | 14.7 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,247 | 14.4 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,601 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Pottstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pottstown?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pottstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Pottstown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.