Solar Panel Cost Guide in Amherst, OH (2024 Update)
- Amherst Solar Installation Cost: $16,893
- 25-Year Savings: $16,476
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Amherst
We break down average solar pricing in Amherst.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Amherst generally cost about 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Amherst, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,893, or $24,157 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Amherst can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Amherst
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,673 |
| 3 years | $-13,233 |
| 5 years | $-10,792 |
| 7 years | $-8,352 |
| 9 years | $-5,911 |
| 11 years | $-3,471 |
| 13 years | $-1,030 |
| 15 years | $1,410 |
| 17 years | $3,851 |
| 19 years | $6,291 |
| 21 years | $8,732 |
| 23 years | $11,172 |
| 25 years | $13,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Amherst
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Amherst:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Amherst
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Amherst
Although the average cost of a solar system in Amherst is $16,893, 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 keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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
Most solar installers in Amherst provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.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’re only able to 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Amherst is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,825 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,482 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,330 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $21,369 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $25,599 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $30,020 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $34,631 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $39,434 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Amherst, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Amherst, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Amherst?
The average cost of solar panels in Amherst is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Amherst?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Amherst?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.