Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, NC (2023 Update)
- Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $12,197
- 25-Year Savings: $18,922
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Harrisburg.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Harrisburg generally cost about 2.54. The average Harrisburg homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,197 with the federal tax credit, or $17,442 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Harrisburg depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Harrisburg homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Harrisburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Harrisburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,952 |
| 3 years | $-8,463 |
| 5 years | $-5,973 |
| 7 years | $-3,484 |
| 9 years | $-994 |
| 11 years | $1,495 |
| 13 years | $3,985 |
| 15 years | $6,474 |
| 17 years | $8,964 |
| 19 years | $11,454 |
| 21 years | $13,943 |
| 23 years | $16,433 |
| 25 years | $18,922 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Harrisburg:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Harrisburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisburg
Though the average cost of a solar system in Harrisburg is $12,197, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Harrisburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,540 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Harrisburg, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Harrisburg, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Harrisburg, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $16,127 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,787 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,589 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $33,534 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $39,621 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $45,850 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $52,221 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $58,735 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Harrisburg, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harrisburg?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Harrisburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $907.39 per year.
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 amount of 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 cover 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.