Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hellertown, PA (Mar 2023)
- Hellertown Solar Installation Cost: $11,977
- 25-Year Savings: $12,977
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hellertown
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Hellertown.
In Hellertown, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Hellertown is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,977 for a solar installation, or $17,127 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Hellertown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hellertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,979 |
| 3 years | $-8,983 |
| 5 years | $-6,987 |
| 7 years | $-4,990 |
| 9 years | $-2,994 |
| 11 years | $-998 |
| 13 years | $999 |
| 15 years | $2,995 |
| 17 years | $4,991 |
| 19 years | $6,988 |
| 21 years | $8,984 |
| 23 years | $10,980 |
| 25 years | $12,977 |
Top Solar Installers in Hellertown
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Hellertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hellertown
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Hellertown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation 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 brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hellertown have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hellertown is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,188 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,202 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,360 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,660 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,103 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,689 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,418 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,290 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Hellertown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hellertown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hellertown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $744.20 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Hellertown?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.