Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Pottsgrove, PA (2024 Update)
- Upper Pottsgrove Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $14,367
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Pottsgrove
We go over average solar pricing in Upper Pottsgrove.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Upper Pottsgrove it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Upper Pottsgrove, the average price of going solar will be about $16,365 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Upper Pottsgrove, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Pottsgrove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,122 |
| 3 years | $-12,636 |
| 5 years | $-10,150 |
| 7 years | $-7,664 |
| 9 years | $-5,178 |
| 11 years | $-2,692 |
| 13 years | $-206 |
| 15 years | $2,280 |
| 17 years | $4,766 |
| 19 years | $7,252 |
| 21 years | $9,738 |
| 23 years | $12,224 |
| 25 years | $14,710 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Pottsgrove
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Upper Pottsgrove:
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 Upper Pottsgrove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Pottsgrove
For many Upper Pottsgrove homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Upper Pottsgrove, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various 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 variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 $3,550.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Upper Pottsgrove homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Upper Pottsgrove homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $8,293 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,455 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,816 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,375 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $22,134 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $26,091 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $30,247 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,601 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Upper Pottsgrove, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Pottsgrove?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Pottsgrove 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Upper Pottsgrove?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger level 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.