Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allentown, PA (Aug 2022)
- Allentown Solar Installation Cost: $12,605
- 25-Year Savings: $11,706
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allentown
We go over average solar pricing in Allentown.
The average cost of solar panels in Allentown is $3 per watt. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Allentown, the average price of going solar will be about $12,605 before claiming the federal solar tax credit.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Allentown see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allentown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,633 |
| 3 years | $-9,688 |
| 5 years | $-7,743 |
| 7 years | $-5,798 |
| 9 years | $-3,853 |
| 11 years | $-1,908 |
| 13 years | $36 |
| 15 years | $1,981 |
| 17 years | $3,926 |
| 19 years | $5,871 |
| 21 years | $7,816 |
| 23 years | $9,761 |
| 25 years | $11,706 |
Top Solar Installers in Allentown
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Allentown, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Allentown, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
The Green Panel
- 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
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment Size
Size is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Allentown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Allentown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $11,775 | $10,072 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $15,398 | $13,731 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $18,870 | $17,542 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $22,191 | $21,503 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $25,361 | $25,615 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $28,380 | $29,878 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $31,249 | $34,292 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $33,966 | $38,857 | 11.7 years |
Solar Incentives in Allentown
| Name | Solar Alternative Energy Credits |
| Incentive Amount | Varies based on market conditions; during 2015 the market price for PA-sourced SRECs has ranged from approximately $32 - $55/MWh ($0.032 - $0.055/kWh) although individual trades have taken place at substantially lower and higher prices. |
| Incentive Max | Varies based on market conditions; SACP does not represent a price ceiling because it is only determined after the fact |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | High Performance Building Incentives Program |
| Incentive Amount | Vary by project, but program generally requires matching funds at least equivalent to DCED funding |
| Incentive Max | Residential loans/loan guarantees: $100,000 Commercial loans/loan guarantees: $2 million Grants: Lesser of 10% of project costs or $500,000 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | High Performance Buildings Incentive Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely have a good reputation and are qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
The Green Panel
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Allentown?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Allentown?
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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.
