Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $9,230
- 25-Year Savings: $6,954
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bethlehem.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bethlehem it's 2.77 per watt. The average Bethlehem homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,230 with the federal tax credit, or $13,199 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Bethlehem homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Bethlehem for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,582 |
| 3 years | $-7,288 |
| 5 years | $-5,993 |
| 7 years | $-4,698 |
| 9 years | $-3,403 |
| 11 years | $-2,109 |
| 13 years | $-814 |
| 15 years | $481 |
| 17 years | $1,775 |
| 19 years | $3,070 |
| 21 years | $4,365 |
| 23 years | $5,659 |
| 25 years | $6,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Bethlehem, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Bethlehem. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bethlehem, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bethlehem to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Bethlehem, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $8,319 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $11,402 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $14,640 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $18,034 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $21,582 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $25,286 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $29,145 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $33,159 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Bethlehem, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bethlehem?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bethlehem?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bethlehem. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bethlehem, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.