Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, NC (2023 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $12,375
- 25-Year Savings: $20,378
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
We break down average solar pricing in Bethlehem.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bethlehem, the average cost of a solar system 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.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Bethlehem depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Bethlehem can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Bethlehem, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-8,409 |
| 5 years | $-5,764 |
| 7 years | $-3,120 |
| 9 years | $-476 |
| 11 years | $2,168 |
| 13 years | $4,813 |
| 15 years | $7,457 |
| 17 years | $10,101 |
| 19 years | $12,745 |
| 21 years | $15,390 |
| 23 years | $18,034 |
| 25 years | $20,678 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bethlehem, we've organized 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
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bethlehem: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
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, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Bethlehem's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $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 type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
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 $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 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 consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bethlehem?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.