Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butler, OH (2023 Update)
- Butler Solar Installation Cost: $13,458
- 25-Year Savings: $15,448
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butler
See how much it might cost to go solar in Butler.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Butler, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Butler, the average price of going solar will be about $13,458 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Butler find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Butler for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Butler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,302 |
| 3 years | $-9,989 |
| 5 years | $-7,677 |
| 7 years | $-5,364 |
| 9 years | $-3,052 |
| 11 years | $-739 |
| 13 years | $1,573 |
| 15 years | $3,886 |
| 17 years | $6,198 |
| 19 years | $8,510 |
| 21 years | $10,823 |
| 23 years | $13,135 |
| 25 years | $15,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Butler
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Butler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butler
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production 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 and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Butler, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to 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 discount 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 | $11,926 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,188 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,594 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $25,143 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $29,835 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $34,671 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $39,650 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $44,772 | 10.5 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make 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 high 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Butler, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Butler?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Butler?
You can't get solar panels for free in Butler. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Butler is currently $149,560, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,132 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Butler is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.