Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, OH (2024 Update)

  • Clay Solar Installation Cost: $17,915
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,027
  • Payback Period: 19.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Clay

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Clay.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clay it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Clay, the average price of going solar will be about $17,915 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Clay homeowner can save about $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Clay

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,897
3 years $-14,860
5 years $-12,823
7 years $-10,787
9 years $-8,750
11 years $-6,714
13 years $-4,677
15 years $-2,640
17 years $-604
19 years $1,433
21 years $3,469
23 years $5,506
25 years $7,543

Top Solar Installers in Clay

When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company 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 solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Clay

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay

The cost of installing a solar system in Clay can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clay, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Clay have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clay, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater 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 $3.55 $14,895 $3,074 20.7 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $4,480 20.3 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $6,078 19.9 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $7,866 19.5 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $9,846 19.1 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $12,016 18.7 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $14,377 18.3 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $16,930 17.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Clay, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?

The average cost of solar panels in Clay 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clay?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

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 $598.96 per year.

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 the average daily 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 cover 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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