Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pottsville, PA (2024 Update)
- Pottsville Solar Installation Cost: $16,864
- 25-Year Savings: $12,197
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pottsville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Pottsville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pottsville generally cost about 4.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Pottsville, the average price of going solar will be about $16,864 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Pottsville can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Pottsville for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Pottsville
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,519 |
3 years | $-12,828 |
5 years | $-10,136 |
7 years | $-7,445 |
9 years | $-4,754 |
11 years | $-2,063 |
13 years | $628 |
15 years | $3,320 |
17 years | $6,011 |
19 years | $8,702 |
21 years | $11,393 |
23 years | $14,084 |
25 years | $16,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Pottsville
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Pottsville:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Pottsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pottsville
There are many factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Pottsville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Pottsville, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,987 | 18.0 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,380 | 17.7 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $10,972 | 17.3 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $13,763 | 17.0 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $16,753 | 16.6 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $19,941 | 16.3 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $23,328 | 16.0 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $26,914 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pottsville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Pottsville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property 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 a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Pottsville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.