Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reading, PA (2023 Update)
- Reading Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,244
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reading
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Reading.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Reading is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Reading is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,870 for a solar installation, or $16,974 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Reading
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,866 |
| 3 years | $-8,856 |
| 5 years | $-6,847 |
| 7 years | $-4,838 |
| 9 years | $-2,829 |
| 11 years | $-820 |
| 13 years | $1,189 |
| 15 years | $3,199 |
| 17 years | $5,208 |
| 19 years | $7,217 |
| 21 years | $9,226 |
| 23 years | $11,235 |
| 25 years | $13,244 |
Top Solar Installers in Reading
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Reading, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Reading
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reading
For many Reading homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Reading, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly 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 a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need 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. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Reading average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Reading offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Reading homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Reading, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across 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 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 | $11,518 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,643 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,911 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,321 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,874 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,570 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,409 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,391 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Reading, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Reading, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Reading?
The average cost of solar panels in Reading 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
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 take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.