Solar Panel Cost Guide in Catawba Island, OH (Mar 2023)
- Catawba Island Solar Installation Cost: $13,619
- 25-Year Savings: $13,665
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Catawba Island
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Catawba Island.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Catawba Island typically cost about 2.56. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Catawba Island, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,619, or $19,475 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Catawba Island homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Catawba Island homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Catawba Island for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Catawba Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,528 |
| 3 years | $-10,345 |
| 5 years | $-8,162 |
| 7 years | $-5,980 |
| 9 years | $-3,797 |
| 11 years | $-1,614 |
| 13 years | $569 |
| 15 years | $2,751 |
| 17 years | $4,934 |
| 19 years | $7,117 |
| 21 years | $9,300 |
| 23 years | $11,482 |
| 25 years | $13,665 |
Top Solar Installers in Catawba Island
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Catawba Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Catawba Island
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Catawba Island, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Catawba Island to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Catawba Island homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Catawba Island, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Catawba Island know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,366 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,109 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $17,994 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $22,023 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $26,195 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $30,511 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $34,970 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $39,572 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers 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 Catawba Island, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Catawba Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Catawba Island is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Catawba Island have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Catawba Island?
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 higher amount 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.