Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, OH (2023 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $13,859
- 25-Year Savings: $21,502
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dover.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dover generally cost around 2.56. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $13,852 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Dover depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Dover, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,527 |
| 3 years | $-9,863 |
| 5 years | $-7,199 |
| 7 years | $-4,535 |
| 9 years | $-1,871 |
| 11 years | $793 |
| 13 years | $3,457 |
| 15 years | $6,121 |
| 17 years | $8,785 |
| 19 years | $11,449 |
| 21 years | $14,114 |
| 23 years | $16,778 |
| 25 years | $19,442 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
For many Dover homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dover, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,560 per kilowatt in Dover. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Dover's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Dover are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $16,251 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $21,955 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $27,802 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $33,792 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $39,926 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $46,204 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $52,624 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $59,188 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Dover, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When reading over 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dover?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Dover?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.