Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethel, NY (2024 Update)
- Bethel Solar Installation Cost: $11,236
- 25-Year Savings: $6,837
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethel
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bethel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bethel it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bethel, the average price of going solar will be about $11,236 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Bethel depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Bethel homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,410 |
| 3 years | $-8,758 |
| 5 years | $-7,106 |
| 7 years | $-5,454 |
| 9 years | $-3,802 |
| 11 years | $-2,151 |
| 13 years | $-499 |
| 15 years | $1,153 |
| 17 years | $2,805 |
| 19 years | $4,457 |
| 21 years | $6,109 |
| 23 years | $7,761 |
| 25 years | $9,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethel
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Bethel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethel
For many Bethel homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system 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 several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Bethel, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bethel provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Bethel’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bethel have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,775 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,109 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,648 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,390 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,338 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,489 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,845 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,405 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Bethel, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bethel?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from 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 having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bethel is currently $261,589, which means you can expect a value of about $10,725 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bethel is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bethel?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.