Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howard, OH (2024 Update)
- Howard Solar Installation Cost: $18,277
- 25-Year Savings: $17,693
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howard
We go over average solar pricing in Howard.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Howard, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $18,277 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Howard for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Howard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,019 |
| 3 years | $-14,504 |
| 5 years | $-11,989 |
| 7 years | $-9,474 |
| 9 years | $-6,959 |
| 11 years | $-4,444 |
| 13 years | $-1,929 |
| 15 years | $586 |
| 17 years | $3,101 |
| 19 years | $5,616 |
| 21 years | $8,131 |
| 23 years | $10,646 |
| 25 years | $13,161 |
Top Solar Installers in Howard
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Howard:
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 Howard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howard
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Howard: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,410. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Howard, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Howard homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Howard is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $9,721 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,344 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,157 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $21,161 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $25,356 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $29,743 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $34,320 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $39,088 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Howard, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Howard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Howard?
The average cost of solar panels in Howard 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.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $820.54 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 level 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.