Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pottstown, PA (Mar 2023)
- Pottstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $14,358
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pottstown
We go over average solar pricing in Pottstown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pottstown typically cost around 2.55. The average solar panel system size in Pottstown is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,763 for a solar installation, or $16,821 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Pottstown homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pottstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,718 |
| 3 years | $-8,629 |
| 5 years | $-6,539 |
| 7 years | $-4,449 |
| 9 years | $-2,359 |
| 11 years | $-270 |
| 13 years | $1,820 |
| 15 years | $3,910 |
| 17 years | $5,999 |
| 19 years | $8,089 |
| 21 years | $10,179 |
| 23 years | $12,269 |
| 25 years | $14,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Pottstown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pottstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pottstown
Though the average cost of a solar system in Pottstown is $11,763, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Pottstown, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Pottstown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Pottstown, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,661 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $17,167 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,816 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,607 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,542 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,619 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,839 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $47,201 | 10.1 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Pottstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pottstown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Pottstown?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.