Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pottstown, PA (2023 Update)
- Pottstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,755
- 25-Year Savings: $14,367
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pottstown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pottstown.
In Pottstown, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,763 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pottstown find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Pottstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pottstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,668 |
| 3 years | $-11,494 |
| 5 years | $-11,319 |
| 7 years | $-11,145 |
| 9 years | $-10,971 |
| 11 years | $-10,797 |
| 13 years | $-10,623 |
| 15 years | $-10,449 |
| 17 years | $-10,275 |
| 19 years | $-10,101 |
| 21 years | $-9,926 |
| 23 years | $-9,752 |
| 25 years | $-9,578 |
Top Solar Installers in Pottstown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Pottstown. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pottstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Pottstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pottstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Pottstown 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pottstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Pottstown have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.