Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lehigh, PA (2023 Update)
- Lehigh Solar Installation Cost: $11,971
- 25-Year Savings: $12,823
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lehigh
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Lehigh.
The average cost of a solar system in Lehigh is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lehigh, the average price of going solar will be about $11,977 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Lehigh homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Lehigh that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lehigh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,687 |
| 3 years | $-8,119 |
| 5 years | $-5,551 |
| 7 years | $-2,982 |
| 9 years | $-414 |
| 11 years | $2,154 |
| 13 years | $4,722 |
| 15 years | $7,290 |
| 17 years | $9,858 |
| 19 years | $12,426 |
| 21 years | $14,994 |
| 23 years | $17,562 |
| 25 years | $20,130 |
Top Solar Installers in Lehigh
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Lehigh:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Lehigh: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Lehigh, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lehigh average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Lehigh's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 a lot of companies to choose from in Lehigh, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lehigh?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lehigh?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Lehigh?
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 larger 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.