Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, OH (Mar 2023)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $13,852
- 25-Year Savings: $21,508
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dover.
The average cost of solar panels in Dover is 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Dover, the average price of going solar will be about $13,852 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Dover depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Dover for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,438 |
| 3 years | $-9,609 |
| 5 years | $-6,780 |
| 7 years | $-3,951 |
| 9 years | $-1,122 |
| 11 years | $1,706 |
| 13 years | $4,535 |
| 15 years | $7,364 |
| 17 years | $10,193 |
| 19 years | $13,022 |
| 21 years | $15,851 |
| 23 years | $18,680 |
| 25 years | $21,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Dover, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Dover, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $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 opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dover average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dover provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dover, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Dover know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 end up saving you 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
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Dover, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dover?
Solar panels aren't free in Dover, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $914.44 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.