Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harmar, PA (2023 Update)
- Harmar Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $13,805
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harmar
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Harmar.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harmar it's 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Harmar, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,441, or $17,791 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Harmar homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Harmar for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Harmar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,392 |
| 3 years | $-9,292 |
| 5 years | $-7,192 |
| 7 years | $-5,093 |
| 9 years | $-2,993 |
| 11 years | $-893 |
| 13 years | $1,206 |
| 15 years | $3,306 |
| 17 years | $5,406 |
| 19 years | $7,506 |
| 21 years | $9,605 |
| 23 years | $11,705 |
| 25 years | $13,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Harmar
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Harmar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harmar
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,455 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,559 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,805 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,195 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,727 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $33,402 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $38,220 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $43,181 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Harmar, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive 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 big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Harmar, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harmar?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Harmar have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.