Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, OH (2025 Update)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $18,184
- 25-Year Savings: $19,975
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
See how much it might cost to go solar in Harlem.
In Harlem, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $18,184 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Harlem based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Harlem, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,851 |
| 3 years | $-14,185 |
| 5 years | $-11,519 |
| 7 years | $-8,853 |
| 9 years | $-6,187 |
| 11 years | $-3,522 |
| 13 years | $-856 |
| 15 years | $1,810 |
| 17 years | $4,476 |
| 19 years | $7,142 |
| 21 years | $9,808 |
| 23 years | $12,474 |
| 25 years | $15,139 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Harlem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlem
For many Harlem homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harlem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Harlem, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Harlem’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $11,590 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,835 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $20,271 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $24,898 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $29,716 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $34,726 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $39,926 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $45,316 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
EcoWatch's Harlem, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harlem?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlem is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind 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 appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Harlem, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.