Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, OH (2023 Update)

  • Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $12,682
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,058
  • Payback Period: 10.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlisle

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Carlisle.

In Carlisle, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average Carlisle 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 be above or below the average in Carlisle based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Carlisle see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Carlisle for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Carlisle

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,583
3 years $-12,385
5 years $-12,187
7 years $-11,988
9 years $-11,790
11 years $-11,592
13 years $-11,393
15 years $-11,195
17 years $-10,997
19 years $-10,799
21 years $-10,600
23 years $-10,402
25 years $-10,204

Top Solar Installers in Carlisle

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Carlisle

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlisle

For many Carlisle homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carlisle, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,560 per kilowatt in Carlisle. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Carlisle, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $14,032 11.1 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $18,996 10.9 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $24,103 10.7 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $29,354 10.4 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $34,748 10.2 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $40,285 10.0 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $45,966 9.8 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $51,790 9.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Carlisle, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carlisle?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Carlisle, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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