Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, OH (2024 Update)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $18,691
- 25-Year Savings: $14,778
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Center.
In Center, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Center, the average price of going solar will be about $18,691 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Center based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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 | $-17,471 |
| 3 years | $-15,031 |
| 5 years | $-12,590 |
| 7 years | $-10,150 |
| 9 years | $-7,709 |
| 11 years | $-5,269 |
| 13 years | $-2,828 |
| 15 years | $-388 |
| 17 years | $2,053 |
| 19 years | $4,493 |
| 21 years | $6,933 |
| 23 years | $9,374 |
| 25 years | $11,814 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Center, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
Although the average cost of a solar system in Center is $18,691, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,410. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Center, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Center, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $7,180 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,956 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,922 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,079 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,427 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,967 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,697 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $30,618 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Center, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Center?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Center, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.