Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, PA (2023 Update)
- Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,989
- 25-Year Savings: $12,536
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg
We break down average solar pricing in Harrisburg.
The average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Harrisburg, the average price of going solar will be about $11,995 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Harrisburg can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harrisburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,651 |
| 3 years | $-7,976 |
| 5 years | $-5,300 |
| 7 years | $-2,625 |
| 9 years | $50 |
| 11 years | $2,726 |
| 13 years | $5,401 |
| 15 years | $8,077 |
| 17 years | $10,752 |
| 19 years | $13,427 |
| 21 years | $16,103 |
| 23 years | $18,778 |
| 25 years | $21,454 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Harrisburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisburg
The cost of installing a solar system in Harrisburg can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 better efficiency or power generation need 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. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Harrisburg homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Harrisburg, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Harrisburg know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $10,771 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $14,646 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $18,665 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $22,826 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $27,130 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $31,577 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $36,167 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $40,900 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Harrisburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Harrisburg, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harrisburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Harrisburg?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.