Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, IL (2024 Update)
- Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $15,963
- 25-Year Savings: $13,554
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg.
In Harrisburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Harrisburg homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,963 with the federal tax credit, or $22,827 before the 0 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.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Harrisburg homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Harrisburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Harrisburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,003 |
| 3 years | $-13,085 |
| 5 years | $-11,166 |
| 7 years | $-9,247 |
| 9 years | $-7,329 |
| 11 years | $-5,410 |
| 13 years | $-3,491 |
| 15 years | $-1,573 |
| 17 years | $346 |
| 19 years | $2,265 |
| 21 years | $4,183 |
| 23 years | $6,102 |
| 25 years | $8,021 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Harrisburg, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Harrisburg, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $8,451 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $11,689 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,138 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $18,797 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $22,667 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $26,748 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $31,039 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $35,540 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your company 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 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 Harrisburg, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harrisburg?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Harrisburg have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.