Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harleysville, PA (Mar 2023)

  • Harleysville Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,715
  • Payback Period: 11.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harleysville

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Harleysville.

The average cost of a solar system in Harleysville is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Harleysville is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,763 for a solar installation, or $16,821 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Harleysville can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Harleysville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,744
3 years $-8,706
5 years $-6,668
7 years $-4,629
9 years $-2,591
11 years $-553
13 years $1,486
15 years $3,524
17 years $5,562
19 years $7,600
21 years $9,639
23 years $11,677
25 years $13,715

Top Solar Installers in Harleysville

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Harleysville, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Harleysville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harleysville

There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation 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 $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Harleysville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Harleysville is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 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 $2.65 $11,138 $12,075 12.0 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $16,386 11.8 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $20,839 11.5 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $25,435 11.3 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $30,174 11.1 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $35,056 10.8 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $40,080 10.6 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $45,248 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Harleysville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Harleysville, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harleysville?

The average cost of solar panels in Harleysville is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Harleysville?

You can't get solar panels for free in Harleysville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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