Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harris, PA (Mar 2023)
- Harris Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $13,545
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harris
We go over average solar pricing in Harris.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harris, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Harris, the average price of going solar will be about $12,513 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harris find going solar can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harris
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,471 |
| 3 years | $-9,386 |
| 5 years | $-7,301 |
| 7 years | $-5,217 |
| 9 years | $-3,132 |
| 11 years | $-1,047 |
| 13 years | $1,037 |
| 15 years | $3,122 |
| 17 years | $5,207 |
| 19 years | $7,291 |
| 21 years | $9,376 |
| 23 years | $11,461 |
| 25 years | $13,545 |
Top Solar Installers in Harris
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Harris
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harris
For many Harris homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harris, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Harris, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Harris, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $11,170 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,179 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,331 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,625 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,062 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,643 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,365 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,231 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Harris, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harris?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Harris?
You can't get solar panels for free in Harris. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Harris is currently $283,809, so you could be looking at a value of about $11,636 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Harris is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.