Solar Panel Cost Guide in Defiance, OH (2024 Update)
- Defiance Solar Installation Cost: $18,181
- 25-Year Savings: $16,266
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Defiance
We go over average solar pricing in Defiance.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Defiance it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Defiance, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,181, or $25,999 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Defiance
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,866 |
| 3 years | $-14,237 |
| 5 years | $-11,607 |
| 7 years | $-8,978 |
| 9 years | $-6,349 |
| 11 years | $-3,719 |
| 13 years | $-1,090 |
| 15 years | $1,539 |
| 17 years | $4,169 |
| 19 years | $6,798 |
| 21 years | $9,427 |
| 23 years | $12,056 |
| 25 years | $14,686 |
Top Solar Installers in Defiance
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Defiance
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Defiance
The cost of installing a solar system in Defiance can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,410. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons 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 too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to 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 total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Defiance, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $8,671 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,943 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,406 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,060 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $22,905 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $26,941 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $31,168 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $35,585 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Defiance, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Defiance?
The average cost of solar panels in Defiance 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Defiance?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably 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."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.