Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, GA (2023 Update)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $24,540
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Harlem.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harlem, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Harlem homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,727 with the federal tax credit, or $16,770 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Harlem homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harlem find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,277 |
| 3 years | $-7,375 |
| 5 years | $-4,474 |
| 7 years | $-1,573 |
| 9 years | $1,329 |
| 11 years | $4,230 |
| 13 years | $7,131 |
| 15 years | $10,033 |
| 17 years | $12,934 |
| 19 years | $15,835 |
| 21 years | $18,737 |
| 23 years | $21,638 |
| 25 years | $24,540 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Harlem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlem
While the average cost of a solar system in Harlem is $11,727, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Harlem, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Harlem provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Harlem homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $22,004 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $29,624 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $37,387 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $45,293 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $53,341 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $61,533 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $69,867 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $78,344 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Harlem, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harlem?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Harlem?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.