Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlan, OH (2024 Update)
- Harlan Solar Installation Cost: $17,751
- 25-Year Savings: $10,221
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlan
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Harlan.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Harlan typically cost about 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Harlan, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,751, or $25,384 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Harlan depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Harlan for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Harlan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,586 |
| 3 years | $-14,256 |
| 5 years | $-11,926 |
| 7 years | $-9,596 |
| 9 years | $-7,266 |
| 11 years | $-4,936 |
| 13 years | $-2,606 |
| 15 years | $-276 |
| 17 years | $2,054 |
| 19 years | $4,384 |
| 21 years | $6,714 |
| 23 years | $9,044 |
| 25 years | $11,374 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlan
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Harlan, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Harlan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlan
For many Harlan homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harlan, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,410.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Harlan offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Harlan homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $4,104 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $5,853 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $7,794 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $9,926 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $12,248 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $14,762 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $17,466 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $20,362 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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 several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Harlan, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harlan?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlan is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Harlan?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.