Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, OH (2023 Update)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $13,651
- 25-Year Savings: $19,975
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
We break down average solar pricing in Harlem.
In Harlem, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,655 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Harlem depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,318 |
| 3 years | $-9,652 |
| 5 years | $-6,987 |
| 7 years | $-4,321 |
| 9 years | $-1,655 |
| 11 years | $1,011 |
| 13 years | $3,677 |
| 15 years | $6,343 |
| 17 years | $9,009 |
| 19 years | $11,674 |
| 21 years | $14,340 |
| 23 years | $17,006 |
| 25 years | $19,672 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Harlem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlem
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Harlem. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Harlem, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,303 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $20,690 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $26,221 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $31,896 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $37,713 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $43,674 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $49,779 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $56,026 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Harlem, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Harlem, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlem?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlem is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Harlem?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 property 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Harlem?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.