Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howland Center, OH (Mar 2023)
- Howland Center Solar Installation Cost: $14,085
- 25-Year Savings: $12,352
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howland Center
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Howland Center.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Howland Center is 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Howland Center, the average price of going solar will be about $14,085 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Howland Center find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Howland Center
| 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 Center
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of 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 (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 Howland Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howland Center
For many Howland Center homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Howland Center, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require 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 get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Howland Center is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
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 Howland Center, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Howland Center?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Howland Center?
You can't get solar panels for free in Howland Center. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy 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.