Solar Panel Cost Guide in Congress, OH (2023 Update)
- Congress Solar Installation Cost: $13,852
- 25-Year Savings: $16,986
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Congress
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Congress.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Congress, the average cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Congress, the average price of going solar will be about $13,852 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Congress based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Congress homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Congress for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Congress
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,619 |
| 3 years | $-10,152 |
| 5 years | $-7,684 |
| 7 years | $-5,217 |
| 9 years | $-2,750 |
| 11 years | $-283 |
| 13 years | $2,184 |
| 15 years | $4,651 |
| 17 years | $7,118 |
| 19 years | $9,585 |
| 21 years | $12,052 |
| 23 years | $14,519 |
| 25 years | $16,986 |
Top Solar Installers in Congress
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Congress
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Congress
For many Congress homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Congress, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Congress homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,748 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,284 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,964 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,786 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $31,753 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $36,862 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $42,115 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $47,511 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer'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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Congress, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Congress?
The average cost of solar panels in Congress is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Congress?
You can't get solar panels for free in Congress. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Congress have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
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 choose to replace them once you've had 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.