Solar Panel Cost Guide in Findlay, OH (2024 Update)
- Findlay Solar Installation Cost: $18,249
- 25-Year Savings: $18,155
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Findlay
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Findlay.
In Findlay, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Findlay, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,249, or $26,096 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Findlay based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Findlay find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Findlay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,917 |
| 3 years | $-14,253 |
| 5 years | $-11,589 |
| 7 years | $-8,925 |
| 9 years | $-6,261 |
| 11 years | $-3,597 |
| 13 years | $-933 |
| 15 years | $1,731 |
| 17 years | $4,395 |
| 19 years | $7,059 |
| 21 years | $9,723 |
| 23 years | $12,387 |
| 25 years | $15,051 |
Top Solar Installers in Findlay
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Findlay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Findlay
The cost of installing a solar system in Findlay can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Findlay, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Findlay homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Findlay is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $10,105 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,855 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,797 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $21,929 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $26,252 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $30,766 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $35,471 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $40,367 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Findlay, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Findlay?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Findlay?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Findlay, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 eliminate my electricity bills?
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 roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.