Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gratis, OH (2024 Update)

  • Gratis Solar Installation Cost: $17,768
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,937
  • Payback Period: 15.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gratis

We go over average solar pricing in Gratis.

In Gratis, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Gratis homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,768 with the federal tax credit, or $25,408 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Gratis homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Gratis

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,627
3 years $-14,343
5 years $-12,060
7 years $-9,776
9 years $-7,493
11 years $-5,209
13 years $-2,926
15 years $-643
17 years $1,641
19 years $3,924
21 years $6,208
23 years $8,491
25 years $10,775

Top Solar Installers in Gratis

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Gratis:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Gratis

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gratis

There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,410 per kilowatt in Gratis.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Gratis homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gratis is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 want and also fit into 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 $7,897 16.3 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $10,911 16.0 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $14,116 15.7 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $17,512 15.4 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $21,099 15.1 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $24,877 14.8 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $28,846 14.5 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $33,006 14.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for 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 several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Gratis, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gratis?

The average cost of solar panels in Gratis 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 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 Gratis?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Gratis. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.

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