Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pottsville, PA (2023 Update)
- Pottsville Solar Installation Cost: $12,120
- 25-Year Savings: $12,191
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pottsville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pottsville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pottsville typically cost around 2.55. The average Pottsville homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,120 with the federal tax credit, or $17,332 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Pottsville based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Pottsville homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pottsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,148 |
| 3 years | $-9,203 |
| 5 years | $-7,258 |
| 7 years | $-5,313 |
| 9 years | $-3,368 |
| 11 years | $-1,423 |
| 13 years | $521 |
| 15 years | $2,466 |
| 17 years | $4,411 |
| 19 years | $6,356 |
| 21 years | $8,301 |
| 23 years | $10,246 |
| 25 years | $12,191 |
Top Solar Installers in Pottsville
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Pottsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pottsville
For many Pottsville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy 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 a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Pottsville, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, 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 installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Pottsville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pottsville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,355 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,092 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,972 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,995 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,161 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $30,469 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $34,920 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $39,514 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Pottsville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pottsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Pottsville 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pottsville, 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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.