Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Shawnee, OH (2023 Update)
- Fort Shawnee Solar Installation Cost: $13,637
- 25-Year Savings: $17,033
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Shawnee
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Shawnee.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Shawnee it's 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fort Shawnee is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,637 for a solar installation, or $19,501 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Fort Shawnee homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fort Shawnee that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Shawnee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,410 |
| 3 years | $-9,957 |
| 5 years | $-7,503 |
| 7 years | $-5,050 |
| 9 years | $-2,596 |
| 11 years | $-142 |
| 13 years | $2,311 |
| 15 years | $4,765 |
| 17 years | $7,218 |
| 19 years | $9,672 |
| 21 years | $12,126 |
| 23 years | $14,579 |
| 25 years | $17,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Shawnee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Fort Shawnee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Shawnee
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fort Shawnee, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $13,014 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,639 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,407 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,319 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,374 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $37,572 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $42,913 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $48,398 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fort Shawnee, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Shawnee?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Shawnee 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Shawnee?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fort Shawnee, 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 further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.