Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lehigh, PA (2023 Update)
- Lehigh Solar Installation Cost: $11,977
- 25-Year Savings: $12,816
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lehigh
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lehigh.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lehigh is 2.55 per watt. The average Lehigh homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,977 with the federal tax credit, or $17,127 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lehigh homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Lehigh homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Lehigh for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Lehigh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,986 |
| 3 years | $-9,002 |
| 5 years | $-7,019 |
| 7 years | $-5,035 |
| 9 years | $-3,052 |
| 11 years | $-1,068 |
| 13 years | $915 |
| 15 years | $2,899 |
| 17 years | $4,882 |
| 19 years | $6,866 |
| 21 years | $8,849 |
| 23 years | $10,832 |
| 25 years | $12,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Lehigh
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Lehigh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lehigh
There are several factors that can influence your 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lehigh, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lehigh homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Lehigh, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 | $11,044 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,010 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,120 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,372 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,768 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,306 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,986 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $41,810 | 10.9 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Lehigh, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lehigh?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Lehigh?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $739.40 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Lehigh?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 keep using 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.