Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allentown, PA (2024 Update)

  • Allentown Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,393
  • Payback Period: 17.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allentown

Let’s take a look at the average cost of 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 4 per watt.The average Allentown homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,591 with the federal tax credit, or $23,725 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Allentown find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Allentown

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,256
3 years $-12,585
5 years $-9,915
7 years $-7,244
9 years $-4,573
11 years $-1,903
13 years $768
15 years $3,439
17 years $6,109
19 years $8,780
21 years $11,451
23 years $14,121
25 years $16,792

Top Solar Installers in Allentown

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 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 important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Allentown.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 $3.69 $15,506 $6,341 17.7 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $8,852 17.4 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $11,562 17.1 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $14,470 16.7 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $17,578 16.4 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $20,884 16.0 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $24,389 15.7 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $28,093 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Allentown?

Solar panels aren’t free in Allentown, 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 you can take advantage of.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Allentown is currently $268,134, so you can expect a value of about $10,993 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Allentown is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.

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