Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, OH (2024 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $18,571
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Chester.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,571 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Chester can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Chester for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,317 |
| 3 years | $-14,810 |
| 5 years | $-12,302 |
| 7 years | $-9,794 |
| 9 years | $-7,287 |
| 11 years | $-4,779 |
| 13 years | $-2,272 |
| 15 years | $236 |
| 17 years | $2,744 |
| 19 years | $5,251 |
| 21 years | $7,759 |
| 23 years | $10,267 |
| 25 years | $12,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 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 your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Chester.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chester to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Chester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Chester have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $6,220 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,676 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,322 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,160 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,188 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,407 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,817 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $27,418 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Chester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Chester, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Chester?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.