Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, NC (2024 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $17,101
- 25-Year Savings: $20,378
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bethlehem.
In Bethlehem, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Bethlehem is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,101 for a solar installation, or $24,454 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,779 |
| 3 years | $-13,135 |
| 5 years | $-10,490 |
| 7 years | $-7,846 |
| 9 years | $-5,202 |
| 11 years | $-2,558 |
| 13 years | $87 |
| 15 years | $2,731 |
| 17 years | $5,375 |
| 19 years | $8,019 |
| 21 years | $10,664 |
| 23 years | $13,308 |
| 25 years | $15,952 |
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. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bethlehem:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
There are several factors that can affect your total 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,510 per kilowatt in Bethlehem.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bethlehem average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bethlehem, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bethlehem homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $12,903 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $17,598 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $22,488 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $27,576 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $32,860 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $38,340 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $44,017 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $49,891 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bethlehem, NC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bethlehem?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 higher 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.