Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harlem, OH (2024 Update)
- Harlem Solar Installation Cost: $18,184
- 25-Year Savings: $19,975
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harlem
See how much it might cost to go solar in Harlem.
In Harlem, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Harlem, the average price of going solar will be about $18,184 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Harlem depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Harlem can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Harlem for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Harlem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,851 |
| 3 years | $-14,185 |
| 5 years | $-11,519 |
| 7 years | $-8,853 |
| 9 years | $-6,187 |
| 11 years | $-3,522 |
| 13 years | $-856 |
| 15 years | $1,810 |
| 17 years | $4,476 |
| 19 years | $7,142 |
| 21 years | $9,808 |
| 23 years | $12,474 |
| 25 years | $15,139 |
Top Solar Installers in Harlem
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Harlem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harlem
The cost of installing a solar system in Harlem can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,410. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harlem to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Harlem, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Harlem know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,590 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,835 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $20,271 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $24,898 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $29,716 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $34,726 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $39,926 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $45,316 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Harlem, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harlem?
The average cost of solar panels in Harlem is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 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 it better to lease or buy solar panels in Harlem?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Harlem, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 long do solar panels last in Harlem?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.