Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Heights, OH (2023 Update)
- Highland Heights Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
- 25-Year Savings: $13,259
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland Heights
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Highland Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Highland Heights it's 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Highland Heights, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,121, or $20,193 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Highland Heights homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Highland Heights for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Highland Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,026 |
| 3 years | $-10,835 |
| 5 years | $-8,645 |
| 7 years | $-6,455 |
| 9 years | $-4,264 |
| 11 years | $-2,074 |
| 13 years | $117 |
| 15 years | $2,307 |
| 17 years | $4,497 |
| 19 years | $6,688 |
| 21 years | $8,878 |
| 23 years | $11,069 |
| 25 years | $13,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland Heights
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Highland Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Heights
For many Highland Heights homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Highland Heights, 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 variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need 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 $2,560. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Highland Heights to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Highland Heights, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,673 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,184 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,839 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,636 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $24,577 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $28,662 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,890 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $37,261 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Highland Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highland Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Highland Heights is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Highland Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Highland Heights is currently $192,800, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,905 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Highland Heights is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.