Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pottsville, PA (2024 Update)
- Pottsville Solar Installation Cost: $16,864
- 25-Year Savings: $12,197
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pottsville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Pottsville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Pottsville is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pottsville is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,864 for a solar installation, or $24,116 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Pottsville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pottsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,519 |
| 3 years | $-12,828 |
| 5 years | $-10,136 |
| 7 years | $-7,445 |
| 9 years | $-4,754 |
| 11 years | $-2,063 |
| 13 years | $628 |
| 15 years | $3,320 |
| 17 years | $6,011 |
| 19 years | $8,702 |
| 21 years | $11,393 |
| 23 years | $14,084 |
| 25 years | $16,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Pottsville
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. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 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 Pottsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pottsville
For many Pottsville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pottsville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Pottsville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pottsville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Pottsville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $5,987 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,380 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,972 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,763 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,753 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,941 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,328 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,914 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Pottsville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Pottsville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pottsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Pottsville is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pottsville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Pottsville, 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pottsville is currently $122,408, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,019 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pottsville is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.