Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brown, OH (2025 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:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brown
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Brown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brown, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.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 above or below the average in Brown depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Brown homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, 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
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Brown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brown
The cost of installing a solar system in Brown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,410. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Brown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Brown, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brown?
The average cost of solar panels in Brown is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.