Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Mount Bethel, PA (Mar 2023)
- Upper Mount Bethel Solar Installation Cost: $11,977
- 25-Year Savings: $13,620
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Mount Bethel
We break down average solar pricing in Upper Mount Bethel.
In Upper Mount Bethel, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Upper Mount Bethel 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Upper Mount Bethel homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high initial cost, the average Upper Mount Bethel homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Mount Bethel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,953 |
| 3 years | $-8,906 |
| 5 years | $-6,858 |
| 7 years | $-4,810 |
| 9 years | $-2,762 |
| 11 years | $-715 |
| 13 years | $1,333 |
| 15 years | $3,381 |
| 17 years | $5,429 |
| 19 years | $7,477 |
| 21 years | $9,524 |
| 23 years | $11,572 |
| 25 years | $13,620 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Mount Bethel
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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
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 Upper Mount Bethel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Mount Bethel
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Upper Mount Bethel: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Upper Mount Bethel. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Upper Mount Bethel, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Upper Mount Bethel homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Upper Mount Bethel, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,763 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,970 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,319 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,811 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,446 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,224 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,145 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,208 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Upper Mount Bethel, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Mount Bethel?
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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
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 $763.38 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.