Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harleysville, PA (2024 Update)
- Harleysville Solar Installation Cost: $16,365
- 25-Year Savings: $13,723
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harleysville
See how much it might cost to go solar in Harleysville.
In Harleysville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Harleysville, the average price of going solar will be about $16,365 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harleysville find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Harleysville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Harleysville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,047 |
| 3 years | $-12,411 |
| 5 years | $-9,775 |
| 7 years | $-7,139 |
| 9 years | $-4,503 |
| 11 years | $-1,867 |
| 13 years | $769 |
| 15 years | $3,404 |
| 17 years | $6,040 |
| 19 years | $8,676 |
| 21 years | $11,312 |
| 23 years | $13,948 |
| 25 years | $16,584 |
Top Solar Installers in Harleysville
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Harleysville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harleysville
For many Harleysville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Harleysville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 $3,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Harleysville, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,707 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,674 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,839 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,203 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,766 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,528 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,488 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,648 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Harleysville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Harleysville, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harleysville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Harleysville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Harleysville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy 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.