Solar Panel Cost Guide in American, OH (2023 Update)
- American Solar Installation Cost: $13,637
- 25-Year Savings: $17,775
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in American
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in American.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in American it's 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,637 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average American homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in American
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,381 |
| 3 years | $-9,868 |
| 5 years | $-7,355 |
| 7 years | $-4,842 |
| 9 years | $-2,329 |
| 11 years | $184 |
| 13 years | $2,697 |
| 15 years | $5,210 |
| 17 years | $7,723 |
| 19 years | $10,236 |
| 21 years | $12,749 |
| 23 years | $15,262 |
| 25 years | $17,775 |
Top Solar Installers in American
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in American
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in American
For many American homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in American, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,560 per kilowatt in American. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment 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 difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,599 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $18,419 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $23,383 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $28,489 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $33,739 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $39,132 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $44,669 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $50,349 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with 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: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's American, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in American?
The average cost of solar panels in American is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in American?
You can't get solar panels for free in American. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in American, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.