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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Auburn it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Auburn is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,571 for a solar installation, or $26,557 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Auburn homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer 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
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind 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 often come at a higher price 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. Also, if you want additional equipment 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 choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Auburn, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 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 many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient 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 less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.