Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambridge, OH (2024 Update)
- Cambridge Solar Installation Cost: $18,369
- 25-Year Savings: $20,403
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambridge
We break down average solar pricing in Cambridge.
The average cost of solar panels in Cambridge is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $18,369 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Cambridge homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cambridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,037 |
| 3 years | $-14,373 |
| 5 years | $-11,709 |
| 7 years | $-9,045 |
| 9 years | $-6,381 |
| 11 years | $-3,717 |
| 13 years | $-1,053 |
| 15 years | $1,611 |
| 17 years | $4,275 |
| 19 years | $6,939 |
| 21 years | $9,603 |
| 23 years | $12,267 |
| 25 years | $14,931 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambridge
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Cambridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambridge
For many Cambridge homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cambridge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of 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 few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require 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 $3,410.The type 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 come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cambridge, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cambridge is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $11,764 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $16,067 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $20,562 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $25,247 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $30,123 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $35,190 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $40,448 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $45,897 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Cambridge, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cambridge?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cambridge?
Solar panels aren’t free in Cambridge, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $888.63 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.