Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darby, OH (2024 Update)
- Darby Solar Installation Cost: $17,798
- 25-Year Savings: $14,067
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darby
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Darby.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Darby, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Darby, the average price of going solar will be about $17,798 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Darby find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Darby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,780 |
| 3 years | $-14,744 |
| 5 years | $-12,707 |
| 7 years | $-10,670 |
| 9 years | $-8,634 |
| 11 years | $-6,597 |
| 13 years | $-4,561 |
| 15 years | $-2,524 |
| 17 years | $-487 |
| 19 years | $1,549 |
| 21 years | $3,586 |
| 23 years | $5,622 |
| 25 years | $7,659 |
Top Solar Installers in Darby
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're searching for a solar company in Darby, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Darby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darby
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Darby is $17,798, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Darby homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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’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 APR 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 Darby is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,177 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,951 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,916 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,072 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,419 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,957 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,686 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $30,606 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Darby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Darby?
The average cost of solar panels in Darby 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Darby?
Solar panels aren’t free in Darby, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Darby, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.