Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howland, OH (2023 Update)
- Howland Solar Installation Cost: $14,085
- 25-Year Savings: $12,352
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howland
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Howland.
In Howland, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Howland, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,085, or $20,142 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Howland homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Howland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,028 |
| 3 years | $-10,913 |
| 5 years | $-8,798 |
| 7 years | $-6,683 |
| 9 years | $-4,568 |
| 11 years | $-2,453 |
| 13 years | $-338 |
| 15 years | $1,777 |
| 17 years | $3,892 |
| 19 years | $6,007 |
| 21 years | $8,122 |
| 23 years | $10,237 |
| 25 years | $12,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Howland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system 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
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 Howland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howland
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Howland, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Howland, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Howland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $8,989 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,272 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $15,698 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,268 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $22,981 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $26,837 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $30,837 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $34,980 | 12.0 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Howland, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Howland?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Howland?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Howland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.