Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, PA (2024 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $16,628
- 25-Year Savings: $12,688
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Bethlehem.
In Bethlehem, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Bethlehem is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,628 for a solar installation, or $23,778 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Bethlehem homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Bethlehem for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,300 |
| 3 years | $-12,643 |
| 5 years | $-9,986 |
| 7 years | $-7,329 |
| 9 years | $-4,672 |
| 11 years | $-2,015 |
| 13 years | $642 |
| 15 years | $3,299 |
| 17 years | $5,956 |
| 19 years | $8,613 |
| 21 years | $11,270 |
| 23 years | $13,927 |
| 25 years | $16,584 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Bethlehem, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bethlehem, we've organized 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
For many Bethlehem homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bethlehem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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 a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bethlehem homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bethlehem, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $6,581 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,172 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,962 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,951 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,138 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,525 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,110 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,894 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Bethlehem, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bethlehem?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Bethlehem have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install 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.