Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, NY (2024 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $8,590
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
We go over average solar pricing in Bethlehem.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bethlehem is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bethlehem, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,379, or $16,272 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bethlehem see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Bethlehem that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,337 |
| 3 years | $-8,254 |
| 5 years | $-6,171 |
| 7 years | $-4,088 |
| 9 years | $-2,005 |
| 11 years | $78 |
| 13 years | $2,161 |
| 15 years | $4,244 |
| 17 years | $6,327 |
| 19 years | $8,411 |
| 21 years | $10,494 |
| 23 years | $12,577 |
| 25 years | $14,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
While the average cost of a solar system in Bethlehem is $11,379, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bethlehem, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bethlehem, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor 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
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Bethlehem’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,020 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $11,102 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,388 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,879 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $21,574 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $25,474 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $29,578 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $33,886 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Bethlehem, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bethlehem, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Bethlehem?
Solar panels aren’t free in Bethlehem, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bethlehem, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.