Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, OH (2023 Update)
- Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $13,960
- 25-Year Savings: $12,949
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Aurora.
The average cost of a solar system in Aurora is 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Aurora, the average price of going solar will be about $13,960 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Aurora homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aurora find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Aurora, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,883 |
| 3 years | $-10,731 |
| 5 years | $-8,578 |
| 7 years | $-6,425 |
| 9 years | $-4,273 |
| 11 years | $-2,120 |
| 13 years | $33 |
| 15 years | $2,186 |
| 17 years | $4,338 |
| 19 years | $6,491 |
| 21 years | $8,644 |
| 23 years | $10,796 |
| 25 years | $12,949 |
Top Solar Installers in Aurora
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Aurora: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Aurora, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with 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 hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Aurora, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,542 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,009 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,620 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,374 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $24,272 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $28,313 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,497 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,824 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Aurora, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When reading through 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Aurora, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aurora?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Aurora is currently $249,900, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,246 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Aurora is a fruitful investment.
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 amount 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.