Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allentown, PA (Mar 2023)
- Allentown Solar Installation Cost: $11,924
- 25-Year Savings: $12,387
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allentown
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Allentown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Allentown, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Allentown, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,924, or $17,051 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Allentown homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allentown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,951 |
| 3 years | $-9,007 |
| 5 years | $-7,062 |
| 7 years | $-5,117 |
| 9 years | $-3,172 |
| 11 years | $-1,227 |
| 13 years | $718 |
| 15 years | $2,663 |
| 17 years | $4,608 |
| 19 years | $6,552 |
| 21 years | $8,497 |
| 23 years | $10,442 |
| 25 years | $12,387 |
Top Solar Installers in Allentown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Allentown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allentown
The cost of installing a solar system in Allentown 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 installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Allentown average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Allentown, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Allentown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,709 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,564 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,562 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,702 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $26,986 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,412 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $35,981 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,693 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Allentown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Allentown?
The average cost of solar panels in Allentown is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 $728.23 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Allentown?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.