Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, IL (Mar 2023)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
- 25-Year Savings: $12,153
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
We go over average solar pricing in Harlem.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harlem, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Harlem, the average price of going solar will be about $12,460 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,475 |
| 3 years | $-9,506 |
| 5 years | $-7,537 |
| 7 years | $-5,568 |
| 9 years | $-3,599 |
| 11 years | $-1,630 |
| 13 years | $339 |
| 15 years | $2,308 |
| 17 years | $4,277 |
| 19 years | $6,246 |
| 21 years | $8,215 |
| 23 years | $10,184 |
| 25 years | $12,153 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Harlem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlem
For many Harlem homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harlem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Harlem, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Harlem, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Harlem, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $10,716 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $14,594 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $18,625 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $22,809 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $27,145 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $31,635 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $36,277 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $41,072 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Harlem, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harlem?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Harlem?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.