Solar Panel Cost Guide in Germantown, OH (2024 Update)
- Germantown Solar Installation Cost: $17,915
- 25-Year Savings: $12,238
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Germantown
We go over average solar pricing in Germantown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Germantown it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Germantown, the average price of going solar will be about $17,915 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Germantown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,750 |
| 3 years | $-14,420 |
| 5 years | $-12,090 |
| 7 years | $-9,760 |
| 9 years | $-7,430 |
| 11 years | $-5,100 |
| 13 years | $-2,770 |
| 15 years | $-440 |
| 17 years | $1,890 |
| 19 years | $4,220 |
| 21 years | $6,550 |
| 23 years | $8,880 |
| 25 years | $11,210 |
Top Solar Installers in Germantown
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Germantown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Germantown
For many Germantown homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Germantown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Germantown offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Germantown is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer 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 | $5,641 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,903 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,356 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $13,000 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,835 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,861 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $22,078 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $25,485 | 15.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and 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: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
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 Germantown, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Germantown?
The average cost of solar panels in Germantown is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Germantown?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.