Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlisle, OH (Mar 2023)
- Carlisle Solar Installation Cost: $12,687
- 25-Year Savings: $17,053
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlisle
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Carlisle.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carlisle generally cost around 2.56. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $12,687 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Carlisle homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Carlisle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carlisle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,498 |
| 3 years | $-9,118 |
| 5 years | $-6,739 |
| 7 years | $-4,360 |
| 9 years | $-1,981 |
| 11 years | $399 |
| 13 years | $2,778 |
| 15 years | $5,157 |
| 17 years | $7,536 |
| 19 years | $9,916 |
| 21 years | $12,295 |
| 23 years | $14,674 |
| 25 years | $17,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlisle
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Carlisle:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Carlisle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlisle
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Carlisle is $12,687, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,560 per kilowatt in Carlisle. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Carlisle, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Carlisle's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $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
There are numerous companies available in Carlisle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Carlisle, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carlisle?
This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Carlisle is currently $130,380, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,346 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Carlisle is a rewarding 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 install 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.