Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, CT (2023 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $9,201
- 25-Year Savings: $17,819
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Bethlehem.
In Bethlehem, solar panels cost about 2.8 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Bethlehem is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,192 for a solar installation, or $13,145 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Bethlehem depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bethlehem find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Bethlehem for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,357 |
| 3 years | $-3,669 |
| 5 years | $19 |
| 7 years | $3,707 |
| 9 years | $7,395 |
| 11 years | $11,083 |
| 13 years | $14,771 |
| 15 years | $18,459 |
| 17 years | $22,147 |
| 19 years | $25,835 |
| 21 years | $29,523 |
| 23 years | $33,211 |
| 25 years | $36,899 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bethlehem: 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 important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,800 per kilowatt in Bethlehem. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bethlehem to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bethlehem is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.91 | $12,230 | $22,304 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.86 | $15,994 | $30,052 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.80 | $19,600 | $37,957 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.74 | $23,050 | $46,019 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.69 | $26,342 | $54,238 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.63 | $29,478 | $62,614 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.58 | $32,458 | $71,146 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.52 | $35,280 | $79,835 | 7.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 options before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
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 Bethlehem, CT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem is about $14,000 for a 5-kW system and $28,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bethlehem?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bethlehem is currently $271,754, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,142 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bethlehem is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.