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.Since 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized 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
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Center is $18,691, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing 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 certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Center, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Center is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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 check with 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.