Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howland Center, OH (2024 Update)
- Howland Center Solar Installation Cost: $18,771
- 25-Year Savings: $12,345
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howland Center
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Howland Center.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Howland Center it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Howland Center, the average price of going solar will be about $18,771 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Howland Center homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Howland Center can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Howland Center that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Howland Center
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-17,551 |
3 years | $-15,111 |
5 years | $-12,670 |
7 years | $-10,230 |
9 years | $-7,789 |
11 years | $-5,349 |
13 years | $-2,908 |
15 years | $-468 |
17 years | $1,972 |
19 years | $4,413 |
21 years | $6,853 |
23 years | $9,294 |
25 years | $11,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Howland Center
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Howland Center, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Howland Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howland Center
While the average cost of a solar system in Howland Center is $18,771, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Howland Center, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Howland Center homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Howland Center is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,276 | 18.5 years |
8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,416 | 18.1 years |
10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,748 | 17.8 years |
12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,270 | 17.4 years |
14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $14,984 | 17.0 years |
16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $17,888 | 16.7 years |
18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $20,983 | 16.3 years |
20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,270 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Howland Center, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Howland Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Howland Center is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Howland Center?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.