Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, OH (2023 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $13,936
- 25-Year Savings: $13,933
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bethlehem.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bethlehem is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bethlehem is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,942 for a solar installation, or $19,937 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bethlehem homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,843 |
| 3 years | $-13,657 |
| 5 years | $-13,472 |
| 7 years | $-13,286 |
| 9 years | $-13,100 |
| 11 years | $-12,914 |
| 13 years | $-12,728 |
| 15 years | $-12,543 |
| 17 years | $-12,357 |
| 19 years | $-12,171 |
| 21 years | $-11,985 |
| 23 years | $-11,799 |
| 25 years | $-11,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Bethlehem, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Bethlehem, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
The cost of installing a solar system in Bethlehem can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 around $2,560. The type 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. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bethlehem average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bethlehem to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bethlehem, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $10,319 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,046 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $17,915 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $21,929 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $26,085 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $30,385 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $34,828 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $39,415 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bethlehem, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bethlehem?
Solar panels aren't free in Bethlehem, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Bethlehem?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.