Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, OH (2023 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $13,458
- 25-Year Savings: $9,019
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clayton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clayton, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Clayton is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,458 for a solar installation, or $19,245 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clayton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| 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 Clayton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Clayton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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 Clayton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clayton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences 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:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Clayton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clayton?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Clayton have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.