Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, OH (Mar 2023)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $13,942
- 25-Year Savings: $13,927
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bethlehem typically cost about 2.56. 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.
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 needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Bethlehem can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,827 |
| 3 years | $-10,598 |
| 5 years | $-8,368 |
| 7 years | $-6,139 |
| 9 years | $-3,909 |
| 11 years | $-1,680 |
| 13 years | $550 |
| 15 years | $2,779 |
| 17 years | $5,009 |
| 19 years | $7,238 |
| 21 years | $9,468 |
| 23 years | $11,697 |
| 25 years | $13,927 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bethlehem, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bethlehem, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bethlehem homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $716.71 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.