Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, OR (2024 Update)
- Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $10,061
- 25-Year Savings: $14,816
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Harrisburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harrisburg, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 4.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Harrisburg, the average price of going solar will be about $10,061 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Harrisburg homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Harrisburg for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Harrisburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,852 |
| 3 years | $-6,433 |
| 5 years | $-4,015 |
| 7 years | $-1,596 |
| 9 years | $822 |
| 11 years | $3,241 |
| 13 years | $5,660 |
| 15 years | $8,078 |
| 17 years | $10,497 |
| 19 years | $12,916 |
| 21 years | $15,334 |
| 23 years | $17,753 |
| 25 years | $20,171 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Harrisburg, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Harrisburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Harrisburg is $10,061, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential 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 going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,500 per kilowatt in Harrisburg.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Harrisburg, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Harrisburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 | $3.64 | $15,288 | $17,537 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.57 | $19,992 | $23,775 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.50 | $24,500 | $30,209 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.43 | $28,812 | $36,838 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.36 | $32,928 | $43,664 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.29 | $36,848 | $50,686 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.22 | $40,572 | $57,904 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.15 | $44,100 | $65,317 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Harrisburg, OR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harrisburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg is about $17,500 for a 5-kW system and $35,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harrisburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Harrisburg?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 get 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.