Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, NC (Mar 2023)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $12,375
- 25-Year Savings: $20,378
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bethlehem is 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bethlehem is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,375 for a solar installation, or $17,696 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bethlehem homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,065 |
| 3 years | $-8,444 |
| 5 years | $-5,824 |
| 7 years | $-3,204 |
| 9 years | $-584 |
| 11 years | $2,037 |
| 13 years | $4,657 |
| 15 years | $7,277 |
| 17 years | $9,897 |
| 19 years | $12,518 |
| 21 years | $15,138 |
| 23 years | $17,758 |
| 25 years | $20,378 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Bethlehem, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
The cost of installing a solar system in Bethlehem can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Bethlehem, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bethlehem, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $17,140 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $23,138 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $29,278 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $35,561 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $41,985 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $48,552 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $55,261 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $62,113 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bethlehem, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bethlehem?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $941.17 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Bethlehem?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.