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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Harrisburg.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Harrisburg typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $16,690 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Harrisburg 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.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Harrisburg, you can 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

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 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 is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Harrisburg offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Harrisburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Harrisburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 specials 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 $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

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. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar 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 how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Harrisburg?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Harrisburg. 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $730.30 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.

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