Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownhelm, OH (2023 Update)
- Brownhelm Solar Installation Cost: $12,687
- 25-Year Savings: $16,079
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownhelm
We break down average solar pricing in Brownhelm.
The average cost of solar panels in Brownhelm is 2.56 per watt. The average Brownhelm homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,687 with the federal tax credit, or $18,142 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Brownhelm based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Brownhelm can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Brownhelm, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brownhelm
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,537 |
| 3 years | $-9,235 |
| 5 years | $-6,934 |
| 7 years | $-4,633 |
| 9 years | $-2,332 |
| 11 years | $-30 |
| 13 years | $2,271 |
| 15 years | $4,572 |
| 17 years | $6,874 |
| 19 years | $9,175 |
| 21 years | $11,476 |
| 23 years | $13,778 |
| 25 years | $16,079 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownhelm
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Brownhelm, we've organized 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 Brownhelm
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownhelm
There are many criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brownhelm to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire 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. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,206 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,894 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,726 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,701 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,820 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $38,082 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $43,487 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $49,036 | 9.9 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: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Brownhelm, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brownhelm?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brownhelm?
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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.