Solar Panel Cost Guide in Etna, OH (Mar 2023)
- Etna Solar Installation Cost: $13,601
- 25-Year Savings: $17,893
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Etna
We go over average solar pricing in Etna.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Etna, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Etna, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,601, or $19,449 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Etna homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Etna homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Etna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,342 |
| 3 years | $-9,822 |
| 5 years | $-7,302 |
| 7 years | $-4,783 |
| 9 years | $-2,263 |
| 11 years | $256 |
| 13 years | $2,776 |
| 15 years | $5,295 |
| 17 years | $7,815 |
| 19 years | $10,334 |
| 21 years | $12,854 |
| 23 years | $15,373 |
| 25 years | $17,893 |
Top Solar Installers in Etna
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Etna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Etna
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Etna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Etna homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,710 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $18,566 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $23,566 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $28,710 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $33,997 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $39,427 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $45,000 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $50,717 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Etna, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Etna, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Etna?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Etna?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Etna?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 decide 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.