Solar Panel Cost Guide in Defiance, OH (2023 Update)
- Defiance Solar Installation Cost: $13,655
- 25-Year Savings: $16,259
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Defiance
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Defiance.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Defiance typically cost about 2.56. The average solar panel system size in Defiance is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,655 for a solar installation, or $19,527 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Defiance based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Defiance for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Defiance
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,458 |
| 3 years | $-10,065 |
| 5 years | $-7,672 |
| 7 years | $-5,279 |
| 9 years | $-2,886 |
| 11 years | $-493 |
| 13 years | $1,900 |
| 15 years | $4,294 |
| 17 years | $6,687 |
| 19 years | $9,080 |
| 21 years | $11,473 |
| 23 years | $13,866 |
| 25 years | $16,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Defiance
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various 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
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 Defiance
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Defiance
For many Defiance homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Defiance, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Defiance, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Defiance homeowners choose 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Defiance is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $12,383 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,798 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,356 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,057 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $30,902 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $35,889 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $41,021 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $46,295 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Defiance, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Defiance, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Defiance?
The average cost of solar panels in Defiance is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Defiance?
You can't get solar panels for free in Defiance. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Defiance is currently $122,479, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,022 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Defiance is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Defiance?
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 choose 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.