Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Reading, PA (2023 Update)
- West Reading Solar Installation Cost: $11,870
- 25-Year Savings: $13,084
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Reading
We go over average solar pricing in West Reading.
The average cost of solar panels in West Reading is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,870 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in West Reading depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Reading find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in West Reading for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Reading
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,872 |
| 3 years | $-8,876 |
| 5 years | $-6,879 |
| 7 years | $-4,883 |
| 9 years | $-2,887 |
| 11 years | $-890 |
| 13 years | $1,106 |
| 15 years | $3,102 |
| 17 years | $5,098 |
| 19 years | $7,095 |
| 21 years | $9,091 |
| 23 years | $11,087 |
| 25 years | $13,084 |
Top Solar Installers in West Reading
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in West Reading:
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 Reading
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Reading
For many West Reading homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Reading, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many West Reading homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for 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 pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. West Reading's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with 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 | $11,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,449 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,669 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,031 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,536 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,184 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,974 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,908 | 10.7 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company 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 West Reading, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Reading?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Reading?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $750.38 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.