Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlan, IA (2024 Update)
- Harlan Solar Installation Cost: $26,626
- 25-Year Savings: $25,111
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlan
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Harlan.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harlan it’s 4 per watt.The average Harlan homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,626 with the federal tax credit, or $38,075 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Harlan homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,558 |
| 3 years | $-23,423 |
| 5 years | $-21,287 |
| 7 years | $-19,151 |
| 9 years | $-17,015 |
| 11 years | $-14,880 |
| 13 years | $-12,744 |
| 15 years | $-10,608 |
| 17 years | $-8,472 |
| 19 years | $-6,336 |
| 21 years | $-4,201 |
| 23 years | $-2,065 |
| 25 years | $71 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlan
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Harlan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlan
The cost of installing a solar system in Harlan can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,010. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Harlan have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $10,001 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,784 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,792 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $22,024 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $26,481 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $31,162 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $36,067 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $41,198 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Harlan, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlan?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harlan?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Harlan is currently $174,336, so you can expect a value of about $7,148 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Harlan is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Harlan?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.