Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethel, OH (2024 Update)
- Bethel Solar Installation Cost: $17,780
- 25-Year Savings: $10,706
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethel
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bethel.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bethel is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,780 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bethel find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Bethel for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bethel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,641 |
| 3 years | $-14,362 |
| 5 years | $-12,083 |
| 7 years | $-9,804 |
| 9 years | $-7,525 |
| 11 years | $-5,246 |
| 13 years | $-2,967 |
| 15 years | $-688 |
| 17 years | $1,591 |
| 19 years | $3,869 |
| 21 years | $6,148 |
| 23 years | $8,427 |
| 25 years | $10,706 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethel
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Bethel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethel
The cost of installing a solar system in Bethel can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,410 per kilowatt in Bethel.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bethel homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Bethel’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $5,983 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,359 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,926 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $13,684 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $16,633 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $19,773 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,104 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $26,626 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not 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: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Bethel, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethel?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethel is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bethel?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bethel. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Bethel?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.