Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, GA (2024 Update)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $17,189
- 25-Year Savings: $24,547
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Harlem.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Harlem is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Harlem, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,189, or $24,580 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Harlem based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Harlem for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,596 |
| 3 years | $-12,409 |
| 5 years | $-9,223 |
| 7 years | $-6,036 |
| 9 years | $-2,850 |
| 11 years | $337 |
| 13 years | $3,523 |
| 15 years | $6,710 |
| 17 years | $9,896 |
| 19 years | $13,083 |
| 21 years | $16,269 |
| 23 years | $19,455 |
| 25 years | $22,642 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Harlem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlem
There are many factors 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,740 per kilowatt in Harlem.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 additional 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 power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Harlem homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Harlem, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $16,806 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $22,827 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $29,057 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $35,497 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $42,146 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $49,005 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $56,073 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $63,350 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Harlem, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlem?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlem is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Harlem?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Harlem. 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.