Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hellertown, PA (2024 Update)
- Hellertown Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
- 25-Year Savings: $12,983
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hellertown
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hellertown.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hellertown is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hellertown is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,665 for a solar installation, or $23,831 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Hellertown based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Hellertown see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hellertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,422 |
| 3 years | $-12,936 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-7,964 |
| 9 years | $-5,478 |
| 11 years | $-2,992 |
| 13 years | $-506 |
| 15 years | $1,980 |
| 17 years | $4,466 |
| 19 years | $6,952 |
| 21 years | $9,438 |
| 23 years | $11,923 |
| 25 years | $14,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Hellertown
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Hellertown:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Hellertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hellertown
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Hellertown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hellertown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Hellertown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hellertown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,820 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,490 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,360 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,428 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,695 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,161 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,826 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,690 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Hellertown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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 the EcoWatch team.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Hellertown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hellertown?
The average cost of solar panels in Hellertown 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hellertown?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hellertown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Hellertown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Hellertown?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.