Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, PA (Mar 2023)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $11,942
- 25-Year Savings: $12,691
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
We go over average solar pricing in Bethlehem.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bethlehem is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bethlehem, the average price of going solar will be about $11,942 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bethlehem homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Bethlehem homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,956 |
| 3 years | $-8,986 |
| 5 years | $-7,015 |
| 7 years | $-5,045 |
| 9 years | $-3,074 |
| 11 years | $-1,103 |
| 13 years | $867 |
| 15 years | $2,838 |
| 17 years | $4,808 |
| 19 years | $6,779 |
| 21 years | $8,750 |
| 23 years | $10,720 |
| 25 years | $12,691 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Bethlehem: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 $2,550. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bethlehem average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bethlehem, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bethlehem is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $10,949 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,884 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,962 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,183 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,546 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,053 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,702 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,494 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact 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 several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Bethlehem, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bethlehem?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bethlehem, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.