Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlan, IA (2024 Update)
- Harlan Solar Installation Cost: $26,626
- 25-Year Savings: $25,111
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlan
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Harlan.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Harlan, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Harlan, the average price of going solar will be about $26,626 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Harlan homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harlan find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harlan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,558 |
| 3 years | $-23,423 |
| 5 years | $-21,287 |
| 7 years | $-19,151 |
| 9 years | $-17,015 |
| 11 years | $-14,880 |
| 13 years | $-12,744 |
| 15 years | $-10,608 |
| 17 years | $-8,472 |
| 19 years | $-6,336 |
| 21 years | $-4,201 |
| 23 years | $-2,065 |
| 25 years | $71 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlan
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 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 Harlan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlan
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Harlan: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Harlan average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Harlan, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $10,001 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $13,784 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $17,792 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $22,024 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $26,481 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $31,162 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $36,067 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $41,198 | 13.8 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 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 Harlan, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harlan?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlan is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harlan?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 Harlan?
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 opt 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.