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.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Lehighton, the average price of going solar will be about $16,942 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lehighton homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Lehighton can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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 decide to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind 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.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Lehighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lehighton
Cost is usually 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 Lehighton: 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 Lehighton, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lehighton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Lehighton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 numerous companies available in Lehighton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 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 many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lehighton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Lehighton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 get 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.