Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Reading, PA (2024 Update)
- West Reading Solar Installation Cost: $16,528
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Reading
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Reading.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Reading it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in West Reading, the average price of going solar will be about $16,528 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Reading can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in West Reading, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Reading
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,285 |
| 3 years | $-12,799 |
| 5 years | $-10,313 |
| 7 years | $-7,827 |
| 9 years | $-5,341 |
| 11 years | $-2,855 |
| 13 years | $-369 |
| 15 years | $2,117 |
| 17 years | $4,603 |
| 19 years | $7,089 |
| 21 years | $9,575 |
| 23 years | $12,061 |
| 25 years | $14,547 |
Top Solar Installers in West Reading
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in West 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in West Reading
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Reading
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Reading average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Reading, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,005 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,737 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,669 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,799 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $19,128 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,656 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $26,382 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $30,308 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's West Reading, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Reading?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Reading?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Reading. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does West Reading have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 Reading?
On average, solar panels can last 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.