Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, OH (2023 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $13,942
- 25-Year Savings: $12,967
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Auburn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Auburn it's 2.56 per watt. The average Auburn homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,942 with the federal tax credit, or $19,937 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Auburn depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Auburn find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,865 |
| 3 years | $-10,713 |
| 5 years | $-8,560 |
| 7 years | $-6,407 |
| 9 years | $-4,255 |
| 11 years | $-2,102 |
| 13 years | $51 |
| 15 years | $2,203 |
| 17 years | $4,356 |
| 19 years | $6,509 |
| 21 years | $8,662 |
| 23 years | $10,814 |
| 25 years | $12,967 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Auburn:
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 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 determine your overall cost in Auburn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Auburn. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Auburn homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Auburn homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Auburn's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $9,570 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,046 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,666 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,430 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $24,337 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $28,387 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,580 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,917 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Auburn, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Auburn is currently $281,912, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,558 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Auburn is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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.