Solar Panel Cost Guide in Champion, OH (2023 Update)
- Champion Solar Installation Cost: $14,085
- 25-Year Savings: $12,352
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Champion
We break down average solar pricing in Champion.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Champion generally cost about 2.56. The average solar panel system size in Champion is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,085 for a solar installation, or $20,142 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Champion homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Champion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,028 |
| 3 years | $-10,913 |
| 5 years | $-8,798 |
| 7 years | $-6,683 |
| 9 years | $-4,568 |
| 11 years | $-2,453 |
| 13 years | $-338 |
| 15 years | $1,777 |
| 17 years | $3,892 |
| 19 years | $6,007 |
| 21 years | $8,122 |
| 23 years | $10,237 |
| 25 years | $12,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Champion
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
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 Champion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Champion
For many Champion homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Champion, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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
Most solar companies in Champion have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Champion's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better 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 | $8,989 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,272 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $15,698 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,268 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $22,981 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $26,837 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $30,837 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $34,980 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Champion, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project 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 Champion, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Champion?
The average cost of solar panels in Champion is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Champion?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $672.36 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Champion?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.