Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, PA (2024 Update)
- Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,690
- 25-Year Savings: $12,536
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Harrisburg.
In Harrisburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Harrisburg homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,690 with the federal tax credit, or $23,867 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Harrisburg homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harrisburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,353 |
| 3 years | $-12,677 |
| 5 years | $-10,002 |
| 7 years | $-7,326 |
| 9 years | $-4,651 |
| 11 years | $-1,976 |
| 13 years | $700 |
| 15 years | $3,375 |
| 17 years | $6,051 |
| 19 years | $8,726 |
| 21 years | $11,401 |
| 23 years | $14,077 |
| 25 years | $16,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Harrisburg:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Harrisburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisburg
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel 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
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 about $3,550 per kilowatt in Harrisburg.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Harrisburg, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Harrisburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Harrisburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Harrisburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,403 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $8,934 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,665 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,594 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,722 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,049 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,575 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,300 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Harrisburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harrisburg?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Harrisburg?
Solar panels aren’t free in Harrisburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Harrisburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.