Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chardon, OH (Mar 2023)
- Chardon Solar Installation Cost: $13,942
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chardon
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Chardon.
The average cost of solar panels in Chardon is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Chardon is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,942 for a solar installation, or $19,937 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chardon homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Chardon homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Chardon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chardon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,847 |
| 3 years | $-10,656 |
| 5 years | $-8,466 |
| 7 years | $-6,275 |
| 9 years | $-4,085 |
| 11 years | $-1,895 |
| 13 years | $296 |
| 15 years | $2,486 |
| 17 years | $4,677 |
| 19 years | $6,867 |
| 21 years | $9,057 |
| 23 years | $11,248 |
| 25 years | $13,438 |
Top Solar Installers in Chardon
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Chardon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chardon
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,560. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Chardon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chardon homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Chardon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,933 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,531 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $17,272 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $21,157 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $25,185 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $29,356 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $33,670 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $38,128 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Chardon, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chardon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chardon, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 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.