Best 5 Solar Companies in Harrisburg, PA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Harrisburg

The more informed your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Consider each of these elements in your company search.

Licensing and Training

There are no state-level contracting licenses issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so each city or county can set its own requirements and terms. Solar providers can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Harrisburg

Your solar panels' style will impact how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar providers include these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,750 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Harrisburg. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Harrisburg

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Harrisburg.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.