Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlan, IA (2023 Update)
- Harlan Solar Installation Cost: $18,393
- 25-Year Savings: $25,111
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlan
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Harlan.
The average cost of a solar system in Harlan is 2.77 per watt. Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Harlan, the average price of going solar will be about $18,401 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Harlan see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Harlan that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Harlan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,325 |
| 3 years | $-15,189 |
| 5 years | $-13,053 |
| 7 years | $-10,918 |
| 9 years | $-8,782 |
| 11 years | $-6,646 |
| 13 years | $-4,510 |
| 15 years | $-2,374 |
| 17 years | $-239 |
| 19 years | $1,897 |
| 21 years | $4,033 |
| 23 years | $6,169 |
| 25 years | $8,304 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlan
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower 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 loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $15,418 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $20,867 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $26,472 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $32,232 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $38,146 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $44,216 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $50,442 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $56,822 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Harlan?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Harlan?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.