Solar Panel Cost Guide in Broadview Heights, OH (2023 Update)
- Broadview Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
- 25-Year Savings: $12,788
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Broadview Heights
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Broadview Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Broadview Heights typically cost around 2.56. The average Broadview Heights homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,121 with the federal tax credit, or $20,193 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Broadview Heights find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Broadview Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,045 |
| 3 years | $-10,892 |
| 5 years | $-8,739 |
| 7 years | $-6,587 |
| 9 years | $-4,434 |
| 11 years | $-2,281 |
| 13 years | $-128 |
| 15 years | $2,024 |
| 17 years | $4,177 |
| 19 years | $6,330 |
| 21 years | $8,482 |
| 23 years | $10,635 |
| 25 years | $12,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Broadview Heights
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Broadview Heights:
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 Broadview Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Broadview Heights
For many Broadview Heights homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Broadview Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Broadview Heights, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,314 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,705 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,240 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,918 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,740 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $27,705 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $31,813 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,064 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Broadview Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Broadview Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Broadview Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Broadview Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.