Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethlehem, OH (2024 Update)

  • Bethlehem Solar Installation Cost: $18,563
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,933
  • Payback Period: 16.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethlehem

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem.

In Bethlehem, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Bethlehem homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,563 with the federal tax credit, or $26,545 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bethlehem can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Bethlehem

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,321
3 years $-14,835
5 years $-12,350
7 years $-9,865
9 years $-7,380
11 years $-4,895
13 years $-2,410
15 years $76
17 years $2,561
19 years $5,046
21 years $7,531
23 years $10,016
25 years $12,501

Top Solar Installers in Bethlehem

Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Bethlehem

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethlehem

Though the average cost of a solar system in Bethlehem is $18,563, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Bethlehem, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.55 $14,895 $6,606 17.3 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $9,190 17.0 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $11,965 16.7 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $14,931 16.3 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $18,088 16.0 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $21,436 15.7 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $24,975 15.3 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $28,705 15.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Bethlehem, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethlehem?

The average cost of solar panels in Bethlehem is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Bethlehem?

Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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.

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