Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, NC (2024 Update)
- Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,853
- 25-Year Savings: $18,924
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg
We break down average solar pricing in Harrisburg.
The average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Harrisburg, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,853, or $24,100 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Harrisburg homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Harrisburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,531 |
| 3 years | $-12,886 |
| 5 years | $-10,242 |
| 7 years | $-7,598 |
| 9 years | $-4,954 |
| 11 years | $-2,309 |
| 13 years | $335 |
| 15 years | $2,979 |
| 17 years | $5,623 |
| 19 years | $8,268 |
| 21 years | $10,912 |
| 23 years | $13,556 |
| 25 years | $16,200 |
Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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
Most solar installers in Harrisburg offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Harrisburg is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $11,890 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,246 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $20,799 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $25,549 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $30,495 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $35,638 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $40,977 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $46,513 | 12.2 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: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Harrisburg, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harrisburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Harrisburg?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
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 larger 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.