Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluffton, OH (2023 Update)
- Bluffton Solar Installation Cost: $13,673
- 25-Year Savings: $19,904
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluffton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Bluffton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bluffton, the average cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bluffton is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,673 for a solar installation, or $19,552 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Bluffton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluffton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,330 |
| 3 years | $-9,644 |
| 5 years | $-6,958 |
| 7 years | $-4,271 |
| 9 years | $-1,585 |
| 11 years | $1,101 |
| 13 years | $3,787 |
| 15 years | $6,473 |
| 17 years | $9,159 |
| 19 years | $11,845 |
| 21 years | $14,532 |
| 23 years | $17,218 |
| 25 years | $19,904 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluffton
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar company in Bluffton, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bluffton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluffton
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in Bluffton. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bluffton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,238 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $20,604 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $26,114 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $31,767 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $37,563 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $43,502 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $49,585 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $55,812 | 9.2 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Bluffton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bluffton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bluffton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bluffton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bluffton?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.