Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlan, OH (Mar 2023)
- Harlan Solar Installation Cost: $13,332
- 25-Year Savings: $10,214
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlan
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Harlan.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harlan it's 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Harlan is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,332 for a solar installation, or $19,065 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Harlan homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Harlan see about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Harlan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,391 |
| 3 years | $-10,507 |
| 5 years | $-8,623 |
| 7 years | $-6,739 |
| 9 years | $-4,856 |
| 11 years | $-2,972 |
| 13 years | $-1,088 |
| 15 years | $795 |
| 17 years | $2,679 |
| 19 years | $4,563 |
| 21 years | $6,447 |
| 23 years | $8,330 |
| 25 years | $10,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlan
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Harlan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlan
While the average cost of a solar system in Harlan is $13,332, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Harlan average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harlan to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Harlan homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Harlan is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Harlan know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $7,816 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $10,708 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $13,744 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $16,923 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $20,245 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $23,711 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $27,320 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $31,072 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Harlan, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlan?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlan is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as 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 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Harlan?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.