Solar Panel Cost Guide in Girard, OH (2024 Update)
- Girard Solar Installation Cost: $18,771
- 25-Year Savings: $12,345
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Girard
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Girard.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Girard it’s 3 per watt.The average Girard homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,771 with the federal tax credit, or $26,843 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Girard homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Girard find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Girard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,551 |
| 3 years | $-15,111 |
| 5 years | $-12,670 |
| 7 years | $-10,230 |
| 9 years | $-7,789 |
| 11 years | $-5,349 |
| 13 years | $-2,908 |
| 15 years | $-468 |
| 17 years | $1,972 |
| 19 years | $4,413 |
| 21 years | $6,853 |
| 23 years | $9,294 |
| 25 years | $11,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Girard
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Girard, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Girard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Girard
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Girard is $18,771, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Girard, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Girard, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Girard to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Girard, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $5,276 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,416 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,748 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,270 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $14,984 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $17,888 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $20,983 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,270 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Girard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Girard?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Girard?
Solar panels aren’t free in Girard, 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Girard?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.