Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gahanna, OH (Mar 2023)
- Gahanna Solar Installation Cost: $13,530
- 25-Year Savings: $22,223
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gahanna
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gahanna.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gahanna generally cost around 2.56. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Gahanna, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,530, or $19,348 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gahanna based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Gahanna homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gahanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,100 |
| 3 years | $-9,239 |
| 5 years | $-6,379 |
| 7 years | $-3,519 |
| 9 years | $-659 |
| 11 years | $2,201 |
| 13 years | $5,062 |
| 15 years | $7,922 |
| 17 years | $10,782 |
| 19 years | $13,642 |
| 21 years | $16,502 |
| 23 years | $19,362 |
| 25 years | $22,223 |
Top Solar Installers in Gahanna
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Gahanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gahanna
The cost of installing a solar system in Gahanna can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gahanna to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Gahanna, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,242 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $23,277 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $29,454 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $35,775 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $42,239 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $48,847 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $55,598 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $62,492 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want 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 (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 Gahanna, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gahanna?
The average cost of solar panels in Gahanna is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Gahanna have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.