Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harris, PA (2024 Update)
- Harris Solar Installation Cost: $17,416
- 25-Year Savings: $13,548
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harris
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Harris.
The average cost of a solar system in Harris is 4 per watt.Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Harris, the average price of going solar will be about $17,416 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Harris based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harris find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Harris that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Harris
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,037 |
| 3 years | $-13,280 |
| 5 years | $-10,522 |
| 7 years | $-7,764 |
| 9 years | $-5,007 |
| 11 years | $-2,249 |
| 13 years | $509 |
| 15 years | $3,266 |
| 17 years | $6,024 |
| 19 years | $8,782 |
| 21 years | $11,539 |
| 23 years | $14,297 |
| 25 years | $17,055 |
Top Solar Installers in Harris
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're searching for a solar company in Harris, we've 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 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 Harris
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harris
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Harris is $17,416, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Harris homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Harris’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,802 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,467 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,331 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,393 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,654 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,115 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,773 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,631 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Harris, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harris?
The average cost of solar panels in Harris is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things 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 consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $743.61 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Harris?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.