Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethel, NY (2023 Update)
- Bethel Solar Installation Cost: $9,081
- 25-Year Savings: $6,837
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethel
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bethel.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bethel is 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bethel, the average price of going solar will be about $9,086 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bethel homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Bethel homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Bethel that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bethel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,028 |
| 3 years | $-8,922 |
| 5 years | $-8,816 |
| 7 years | $-8,709 |
| 9 years | $-8,603 |
| 11 years | $-8,497 |
| 13 years | $-8,391 |
| 15 years | $-8,285 |
| 17 years | $-8,179 |
| 19 years | $-8,073 |
| 21 years | $-7,967 |
| 23 years | $-7,861 |
| 25 years | $-7,754 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethel
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Bethel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethel
For many Bethel homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bethel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess 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 increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bethel to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bethel, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,833 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,108 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,548 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $19,153 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $22,923 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $26,859 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $30,959 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $35,225 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Bethel, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bethel?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethel is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as 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 Bethel?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.