Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allentown, PA (2024 Update)
- Allentown Solar Installation Cost: $16,591
- 25-Year Savings: $12,393
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allentown
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Allentown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Allentown typically cost around 4.Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Allentown, the average price of going solar will be about $16,591 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Allentown find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Allentown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allentown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,256 |
| 3 years | $-12,585 |
| 5 years | $-9,915 |
| 7 years | $-7,244 |
| 9 years | $-4,573 |
| 11 years | $-1,903 |
| 13 years | $768 |
| 15 years | $3,439 |
| 17 years | $6,109 |
| 19 years | $8,780 |
| 21 years | $11,451 |
| 23 years | $14,121 |
| 25 years | $16,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Allentown
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Allentown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allentown
The cost of installing a solar system in Allentown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,550 per kilowatt in Allentown.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,341 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,852 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,562 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,470 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,578 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $20,884 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,389 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,093 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Allentown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Allentown?
The average cost of solar panels in Allentown is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Allentown?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Allentown. 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 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.