Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, NY (2024 Update)
- Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $8,590
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem
We go over average solar pricing in Bethlehem.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bethlehem, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bethlehem is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,379 for a solar installation, or $16,272 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Bethlehem homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power 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 installer in Bethlehem for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bethlehem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,337 |
| 3 years | $-8,254 |
| 5 years | $-6,171 |
| 7 years | $-4,088 |
| 9 years | $-2,005 |
| 11 years | $78 |
| 13 years | $2,161 |
| 15 years | $4,244 |
| 17 years | $6,327 |
| 19 years | $8,411 |
| 21 years | $10,494 |
| 23 years | $12,577 |
| 25 years | $14,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Bethlehem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bethlehem: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bethlehem, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bethlehem is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,020 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $11,102 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,388 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,879 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $21,574 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $25,474 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $29,578 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $33,886 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- 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 go with.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Bethlehem, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bethlehem?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 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.
Are solar panels free in Bethlehem?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bethlehem. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bethlehem, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.