Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethel, NY (Mar 2023)
- Bethel Solar Installation Cost: $9,086
- 25-Year Savings: $6,832
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethel
We break down average solar pricing in Bethel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bethel it's 2.95 per watt. The average Bethel homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,086 with the federal tax credit, or $12,993 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bethel can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,449 |
| 3 years | $-7,176 |
| 5 years | $-5,902 |
| 7 years | $-4,629 |
| 9 years | $-3,356 |
| 11 years | $-2,082 |
| 13 years | $-809 |
| 15 years | $465 |
| 17 years | $1,738 |
| 19 years | $3,012 |
| 21 years | $4,285 |
| 23 years | $5,559 |
| 25 years | $6,832 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethel
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bethel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethel
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bethel: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,950. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bethel average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bethel offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.07 | $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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Bethel, 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: Before signing 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 component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 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 real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Bethel?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.