Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, OH (2024 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $18,563
- 25-Year Savings: $13,933
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem.
The average cost of a solar system in Bethlehem is 3 per watt.The average Bethlehem homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,563 with the federal tax credit, or $26,545 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Bethlehem homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Bethlehem, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,321 |
| 3 years | $-14,835 |
| 5 years | $-12,350 |
| 7 years | $-9,865 |
| 9 years | $-7,380 |
| 11 years | $-4,895 |
| 13 years | $-2,410 |
| 15 years | $76 |
| 17 years | $2,561 |
| 19 years | $5,046 |
| 21 years | $7,531 |
| 23 years | $10,016 |
| 25 years | $12,501 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 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 dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 $3,410. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bethlehem, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bethlehem to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $6,606 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,190 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,965 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,931 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $18,088 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $21,436 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $24,975 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $28,705 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Bethlehem, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bethlehem?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Bethlehem?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Bethlehem?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.