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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Bethlehem.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bethlehem generally cost about 4.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 only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,530 per kilowatt in Bethlehem.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bethlehem, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bethlehem homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bethlehem, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt 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 solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bethlehem is currently $433,936, which means you could be looking at a value of about $17,791 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bethlehem is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.