Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, IL (Mar 2023)
- Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,581
- 25-Year Savings: $13,563
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Harrisburg.
In Harrisburg, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Harrisburg homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,581 with the federal tax credit, or $16,561 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Harrisburg homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Harrisburg for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Harrisburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,575 |
| 3 years | $-8,563 |
| 5 years | $-6,552 |
| 7 years | $-4,540 |
| 9 years | $-2,529 |
| 11 years | $-517 |
| 13 years | $1,494 |
| 15 years | $3,506 |
| 17 years | $5,517 |
| 19 years | $7,529 |
| 21 years | $9,540 |
| 23 years | $11,552 |
| 25 years | $13,563 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Harrisburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisburg
For many Harrisburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harrisburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Harrisburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harrisburg to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Harrisburg is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $12,950 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,573 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $22,348 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $27,276 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $32,357 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $37,591 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $42,978 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $48,518 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Harrisburg, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harrisburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harrisburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Harrisburg have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.