Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darby, OH (2023 Update)
- Darby Solar Installation Cost: $13,368
- 25-Year Savings: $14,061
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darby
We go over average solar pricing in Darby.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Darby, the average cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. The average Darby homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,368 with the federal tax credit, or $19,116 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Darby homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Darby, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Darby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,271 |
| 3 years | $-10,077 |
| 5 years | $-7,882 |
| 7 years | $-5,688 |
| 9 years | $-3,494 |
| 11 years | $-1,299 |
| 13 years | $895 |
| 15 years | $3,089 |
| 17 years | $5,284 |
| 19 years | $7,478 |
| 21 years | $9,672 |
| 23 years | $11,867 |
| 25 years | $14,061 |
Top Solar Installers in Darby
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Darby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darby
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Darby: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Darby, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Darby average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Darby to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Darby is the company you choose 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 provide a range of services at different price points. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,889 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,806 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,866 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,069 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,416 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,906 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,539 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,316 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Darby, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Darby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Darby?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Darby?
Solar panels aren't free in Darby, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.