Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fremont, OH (2023 Update)
- Fremont Solar Installation Cost: $13,503
- 25-Year Savings: $14,049
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fremont
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fremont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fremont it's 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fremont, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,512, or $19,322 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fremont find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Fremont for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fremont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,412 |
| 3 years | $-13,228 |
| 5 years | $-13,044 |
| 7 years | $-12,861 |
| 9 years | $-12,677 |
| 11 years | $-12,493 |
| 13 years | $-12,309 |
| 15 years | $-12,126 |
| 17 years | $-11,942 |
| 19 years | $-11,758 |
| 21 years | $-11,575 |
| 23 years | $-11,391 |
| 25 years | $-11,207 |
Top Solar Installers in Fremont
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fremont, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Fremont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fremont
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,560 per kilowatt in Fremont. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fremont, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fremont know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $10,756 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,629 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,644 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $22,803 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,105 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,551 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,140 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $40,872 | 11.0 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer 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
EcoWatch's Fremont, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fremont?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fremont?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fremont, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.