Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harleysville, PA (2024 Update)
- Harleysville Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $13,723
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harleysville
See how much it might cost to go solar in Harleysville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harleysville it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $16,365 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Harleysville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Harleysville homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Harleysville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harleysville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,047 |
| 3 years | $-12,411 |
| 5 years | $-9,775 |
| 7 years | $-7,139 |
| 9 years | $-4,503 |
| 11 years | $-1,867 |
| 13 years | $769 |
| 15 years | $3,404 |
| 17 years | $6,040 |
| 19 years | $8,676 |
| 21 years | $11,312 |
| 23 years | $13,948 |
| 25 years | $16,584 |
Top Solar Installers in Harleysville
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Harleysville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harleysville
The cost of installing a solar system in Harleysville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Harleysville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harleysville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out 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 build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,707 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,674 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,839 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,203 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,766 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,528 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,488 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,648 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure 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 depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Harleysville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harleysville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Harleysville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Harleysville. However, you may still be able to install 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 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 Harleysville is currently $480,760, which means you can look forward to a value of about $19,711 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Harleysville is a worthwhile investment.
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 the average daily 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 cover 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.