Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, OH (2023 Update)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $13,458
- 25-Year Savings: $9,019
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clay.
In Clay, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $13,458 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Clay can save about $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,559 |
| 3 years | $-10,761 |
| 5 years | $-8,963 |
| 7 years | $-7,164 |
| 9 years | $-5,366 |
| 11 years | $-3,568 |
| 13 years | $-1,770 |
| 15 years | $28 |
| 17 years | $1,826 |
| 19 years | $3,624 |
| 21 years | $5,422 |
| 23 years | $7,220 |
| 25 years | $9,019 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Clay:
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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
For many Clay homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clay, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,560 per kilowatt in Clay. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Clay is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $6,787 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $9,336 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $12,028 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $14,864 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $17,843 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $20,965 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $24,231 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $27,640 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely 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 what services you can expect from them.
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 Clay, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clay?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.