Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, OH (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $13,942
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Chester 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.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chester find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Chester for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,851 |
| 3 years | $-13,668 |
| 5 years | $-13,486 |
| 7 years | $-13,303 |
| 9 years | $-13,120 |
| 11 years | $-12,938 |
| 13 years | $-12,755 |
| 15 years | $-12,573 |
| 17 years | $-12,390 |
| 19 years | $-12,208 |
| 21 years | $-12,025 |
| 23 years | $-11,843 |
| 25 years | $-11,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
The cost of installing a solar system in Chester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The brand and kind of equipment you get 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons 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 a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Chester, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Chester is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Chester, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chester?
Solar panels aren't free in Chester, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $703.84 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.