Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, IL (2024 Update)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $17,167
- 25-Year Savings: $12,148
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Harlem.
In Harlem, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Harlem, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,167, or $24,549 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Harlem depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Harlem for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,011 |
| 3 years | $-13,698 |
| 5 years | $-11,386 |
| 7 years | $-9,074 |
| 9 years | $-6,761 |
| 11 years | $-4,449 |
| 13 years | $-2,137 |
| 15 years | $176 |
| 17 years | $2,488 |
| 19 years | $4,801 |
| 21 years | $7,113 |
| 23 years | $9,425 |
| 25 years | $11,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Harlem:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Harlem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlem
For many Harlem homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harlem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 $3,760.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harlem to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Harlem’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $6,217 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,711 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $11,415 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $14,330 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $17,455 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $20,791 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $24,337 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $28,094 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read through 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy 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 acquire and how long the project will take.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Harlem, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlem?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlem is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Harlem?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Harlem, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.