Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $11,751
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,963
  • Payback Period: 18.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Bethlehem.

In Bethlehem, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Bethlehem is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,751 for a solar installation, or $16,804 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bethlehem find going solar has a decent ROI.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bethlehem

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,692
3 years $-8,574
5 years $-6,455
7 years $-4,337
9 years $-2,218
11 years $-100
13 years $2,018
15 years $4,137
17 years $6,255
19 years $8,374
21 years $10,492
23 years $12,610
25 years $14,729

Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.

Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Bethlehem

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem

Though the average cost of a solar system in Bethlehem is $11,751, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bethlehem, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bethlehem, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Bethlehem, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.67 $15,419 $4,999 18.9 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $7,061 18.5 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $9,320 18.2 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $11,777 17.8 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $14,432 17.4 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $17,285 17.1 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $20,335 16.7 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $23,583 16.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • 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 type 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 take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Bethlehem, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem?

The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 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.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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 how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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