Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownhelm, OH (2024 Update)
- Brownhelm Solar Installation Cost: $16,893
- 25-Year Savings: $16,084
- Payback Period: 14.7 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 Brownhelm
We go over average solar pricing in Brownhelm.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brownhelm, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Brownhelm, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,893, or $24,157 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brownhelm 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.Even with the large initial cost, the average Brownhelm homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Brownhelm for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Brownhelm
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,673 |
| 3 years | $-13,233 |
| 5 years | $-10,792 |
| 7 years | $-8,352 |
| 9 years | $-5,911 |
| 11 years | $-3,471 |
| 13 years | $-1,030 |
| 15 years | $1,410 |
| 17 years | $3,851 |
| 19 years | $6,291 |
| 21 years | $8,732 |
| 23 years | $11,172 |
| 25 years | $13,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownhelm
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Brownhelm
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownhelm
Though the average cost of a solar system in Brownhelm is $16,893, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Brownhelm, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Brownhelm homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Brownhelm homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Brownhelm’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brownhelm have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,493 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,039 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,776 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,704 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $24,823 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $29,133 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $33,634 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $38,326 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Brownhelm, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brownhelm?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Brownhelm?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Brownhelm. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Brownhelm, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Brownhelm?
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 level 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.