Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centerville, OH (2023 Update)

  • Centerville Solar Installation Cost: $13,386
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,518
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centerville

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Centerville.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Centerville typically cost about 2.56. Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Centerville, the average price of going solar will be about $13,386 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Centerville can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Centerville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,470
3 years $-10,638
5 years $-8,805
7 years $-6,973
9 years $-5,141
11 years $-3,308
13 years $-1,476
15 years $356
17 years $2,189
19 years $4,021
21 years $5,854
23 years $7,686
25 years $9,518

Top Solar Installers in Centerville

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Centerville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centerville

While the average cost of a solar system in Centerville is $13,386, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Centerville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you 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 total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Centerville, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 discount 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 $7,210 15.2 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $9,900 14.9 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $12,734 14.6 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $15,711 14.3 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $18,831 14.0 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $22,095 13.7 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $25,501 13.4 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $29,052 13.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Centerville, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centerville?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Centerville have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get 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.

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