Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brown, OH (2024 Update)

  • Brown Solar Installation Cost: $18,545
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,886
  • Payback Period: 15.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brown

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Brown.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brown generally cost around 3.The average Brown homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,545 with the federal tax credit, or $26,519 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Brown depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Brown can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

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 Brown

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,258
3 years $-14,683
5 years $-12,108
7 years $-9,534
9 years $-6,959
11 years $-4,385
13 years $-1,810
15 years $765
17 years $3,339
19 years $5,914
21 years $8,488
23 years $11,063
25 years $13,638

Top Solar Installers in Brown

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Brown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brown

For many Brown homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Brown, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Brown, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brown homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Brown, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $3.55 $14,895 $8,897 15.7 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $12,245 15.3 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $15,784 15.0 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $19,514 14.7 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $23,434 14.4 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $27,546 14.1 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $31,848 13.8 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $36,342 13.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Brown, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brown?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brown?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

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 $793.08 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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