Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gratis, OH (Mar 2023)
- Gratis Solar Installation Cost: $13,332
- 25-Year Savings: $14,944
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gratis
We go over average solar pricing in Gratis.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Gratis is 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Gratis, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,332, or $19,065 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gratis 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. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Gratis homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Gratis for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gratis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,201 |
| 3 years | $-9,939 |
| 5 years | $-7,677 |
| 7 years | $-5,415 |
| 9 years | $-3,153 |
| 11 years | $-891 |
| 13 years | $1,371 |
| 15 years | $3,633 |
| 17 years | $5,895 |
| 19 years | $8,157 |
| 21 years | $10,419 |
| 23 years | $12,681 |
| 25 years | $14,944 |
Top Solar Installers in Gratis
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Gratis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gratis
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Gratis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gratis homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Gratis, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $11,609 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,766 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,066 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $24,509 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $29,096 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $33,826 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $38,699 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $43,716 | 10.6 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 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 $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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gratis?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gratis is currently $138,294, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,670 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gratis is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.