Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, OH (Mar 2023)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $13,655
- 25-Year Savings: $19,971
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Harlem.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harlem it's 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Harlem, the average price of going solar will be about $13,655 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Harlem can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Harlem, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,310 |
| 3 years | $-9,620 |
| 5 years | $-6,930 |
| 7 years | $-4,240 |
| 9 years | $-1,550 |
| 11 years | $1,141 |
| 13 years | $3,831 |
| 15 years | $6,521 |
| 17 years | $9,211 |
| 19 years | $11,901 |
| 21 years | $14,591 |
| 23 years | $17,281 |
| 25 years | $19,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Harlem is $13,655, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in Harlem. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Harlem homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Harlem, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlem?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Harlem?
You can't get solar panels for free in Harlem. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Harlem is currently $306,789, which means you can expect a value of about $12,578 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Harlem is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Harlem?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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.