Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lehighton, PA (2024 Update)
- Lehighton Solar Installation Cost: $16,942
- 25-Year Savings: $12,784
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lehighton
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Lehighton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lehighton it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lehighton is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,942 for a solar installation, or $24,227 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Lehighton homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lehighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,699 |
| 3 years | $-13,213 |
| 5 years | $-10,727 |
| 7 years | $-8,241 |
| 9 years | $-5,755 |
| 11 years | $-3,269 |
| 13 years | $-783 |
| 15 years | $1,703 |
| 17 years | $4,189 |
| 19 years | $6,675 |
| 21 years | $9,160 |
| 23 years | $11,646 |
| 25 years | $14,132 |
Top Solar Installers in Lehighton
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Lehighton:
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 Lehighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lehighton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Lehighton: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want 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 come at a higher price 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lehighton, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $6,454 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,003 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,751 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,698 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,843 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,188 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,731 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,473 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Lehighton, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lehighton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Lehighton?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lehighton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
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 $732.03 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.