Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Pottsgrove, PA (2023 Update)
- West Pottsgrove Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $14,358
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Pottsgrove
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Pottsgrove.
The average cost of a solar panel system in West Pottsgrove is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West Pottsgrove, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,763, or $16,821 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Pottsgrove
| 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 West Pottsgrove
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 West Pottsgrove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Pottsgrove
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in West Pottsgrove: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in West Pottsgrove. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Pottsgrove average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Pottsgrove offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 West Pottsgrove, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Pottsgrove?
The average cost of solar panels in West Pottsgrove 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Pottsgrove?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does West Pottsgrove have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in West Pottsgrove?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.