Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harrisburg, SD (2024 Update)

  • Harrisburg Solar Installation Cost: $22,128
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,673
  • Payback Period: 14.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Harrisburg.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harrisburg it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Harrisburg is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,128 for a solar installation, or $31,643 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Harrisburg homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harrisburg find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Harrisburg

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-20,669
3 years $-17,752
5 years $-14,835
7 years $-11,918
9 years $-9,001
11 years $-6,084
13 years $-3,167
15 years $-250
17 years $2,667
19 years $5,584
21 years $8,501
23 years $11,418
25 years $14,335

Top Solar Installers in Harrisburg

Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Harrisburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harrisburg

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Harrisburg is $22,128, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,580. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 $3.72 $15,637 $10,487 15.0 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $14,383 14.7 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $18,480 14.4 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $22,778 14.1 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $27,276 13.8 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $31,974 13.5 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $36,873 13.2 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $41,973 13.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Harrisburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Harrisburg, SD Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harrisburg?

The average cost of solar panels in Harrisburg is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Harrisburg?

Solar panels aren’t free in Harrisburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $870.81 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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