Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, OH (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $18,571
- 25-Year Savings: $12,967
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Auburn.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Auburn typically cost about 3.Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Auburn, the average price of going solar will be about $18,571 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high initial cost, the average Auburn homeowner can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Auburn for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,317 |
| 3 years | $-14,810 |
| 5 years | $-12,302 |
| 7 years | $-9,794 |
| 9 years | $-7,287 |
| 11 years | $-4,779 |
| 13 years | $-2,272 |
| 15 years | $236 |
| 17 years | $2,744 |
| 19 years | $5,251 |
| 21 years | $7,759 |
| 23 years | $10,267 |
| 25 years | $12,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Auburn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,410 per kilowatt in Auburn.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Auburn homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Auburn, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Auburn know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 | $5,857 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,191 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,716 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $13,433 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $16,340 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $19,438 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $22,727 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $26,207 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Auburn, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $691.73 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Auburn?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.