Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, OH (2023 Update)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $14,031
- 25-Year Savings: $14,779
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Center.
The average cost of a solar system in Center is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Center is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,031 for a solar installation, or $20,064 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Center see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,879 |
| 3 years | $-10,574 |
| 5 years | $-8,269 |
| 7 years | $-5,965 |
| 9 years | $-3,660 |
| 11 years | $-1,355 |
| 13 years | $950 |
| 15 years | $3,255 |
| 17 years | $5,559 |
| 19 years | $7,864 |
| 21 years | $10,169 |
| 23 years | $12,474 |
| 25 years | $14,779 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
For many Center homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Center, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Center to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Center, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $10,893 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,811 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,872 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,076 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,424 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,915 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,550 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,328 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Center, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Center?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.