Solar Panel Cost Guide in Findlay, OH (Mar 2023)
- Findlay Solar Installation Cost: $13,709
- 25-Year Savings: $18,146
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Findlay
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Findlay.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Findlay is 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Findlay, the average price of going solar will be about $13,709 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Findlay can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Findlay for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Findlay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,435 |
| 3 years | $-9,886 |
| 5 years | $-7,338 |
| 7 years | $-4,789 |
| 9 years | $-2,241 |
| 11 years | $307 |
| 13 years | $2,856 |
| 15 years | $5,404 |
| 17 years | $7,953 |
| 19 years | $10,501 |
| 21 years | $13,049 |
| 23 years | $15,598 |
| 25 years | $18,146 |
Top Solar Installers in Findlay
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Findlay:
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 Findlay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Findlay
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Findlay: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Findlay, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,560 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 Findlay, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Most solar installers in Findlay offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Findlay, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,818 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $18,711 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $23,747 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $28,926 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $34,249 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $39,715 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $45,324 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $51,077 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking 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.
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 Findlay, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Findlay?
The average cost of solar panels in Findlay 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Findlay?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Findlay, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.