Solar Panel Cost Guide in Akron, OH (Mar 2023)
- Akron Solar Installation Cost: $13,996
- 25-Year Savings: $13,117
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Akron
We go over average solar pricing in Akron.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Akron, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Akron, the average price of going solar will be about $13,996 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Akron for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Akron
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,911 |
| 3 years | $-10,742 |
| 5 years | $-8,573 |
| 7 years | $-6,404 |
| 9 years | $-4,235 |
| 11 years | $-2,066 |
| 13 years | $103 |
| 15 years | $2,272 |
| 17 years | $4,441 |
| 19 years | $6,610 |
| 21 years | $8,779 |
| 23 years | $10,948 |
| 25 years | $13,117 |
Top Solar Installers in Akron
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Akron
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Akron
Though the average cost of a solar system in Akron is $13,996, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. 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 solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Akron average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Akron have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Akron is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,639 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,138 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,781 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,567 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $24,497 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $28,570 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,786 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $37,146 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Akron, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Akron?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Akron is currently $118,124, which means you can look forward to a value of about $4,843 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Akron is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.