Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, OH (2025 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $18,460
- 25-Year Savings: $21,502
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
We go over average solar pricing in Dover.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dover generally cost about 3.The average Dover homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,460 with the federal tax credit, or $26,398 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Dover based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dover find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Dover, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-17,128 |
3 years | $-14,464 |
5 years | $-11,800 |
7 years | $-9,136 |
9 years | $-6,472 |
11 years | $-3,808 |
13 years | $-1,144 |
15 years | $1,520 |
17 years | $4,184 |
19 years | $6,848 |
21 years | $9,512 |
23 years | $12,176 |
25 years | $14,840 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several 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
See all of the solar companies in Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
The cost of installing a solar system in Dover can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Dover, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dover, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Dover homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Dover’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $12,538 | 13.6 years |
8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $17,100 | 13.3 years |
10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $21,852 | 13.1 years |
12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $26,795 | 12.8 years |
14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $31,930 | 12.5 years |
16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $37,255 | 12.3 years |
18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $42,771 | 12.0 years |
20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $48,478 | 11.7 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Dover, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dover?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dover?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Dover?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production 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.