Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ashtabula, OH (2024 Update)
- Ashtabula Solar Installation Cost: $18,687
- 25-Year Savings: $12,658
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ashtabula
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ashtabula.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ashtabula it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Ashtabula, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,687, or $26,722 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Ashtabula can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ashtabula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,434 |
| 3 years | $-14,926 |
| 5 years | $-12,418 |
| 7 years | $-9,911 |
| 9 years | $-7,403 |
| 11 years | $-4,895 |
| 13 years | $-2,388 |
| 15 years | $120 |
| 17 years | $2,627 |
| 19 years | $5,135 |
| 21 years | $7,643 |
| 23 years | $10,150 |
| 25 years | $12,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Ashtabula
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Ashtabula, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Ashtabula
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ashtabula
For many Ashtabula homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ashtabula, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Ashtabula, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ashtabula average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ashtabula, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Ashtabula have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,089 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,501 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,103 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $13,897 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $16,881 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,056 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,423 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $26,980 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Ashtabula, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ashtabula?
The average cost of solar panels in Ashtabula is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 account for 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.