Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hunter, OH (2024 Update)
- Hunter Solar Installation Cost: $17,751
- 25-Year Savings: $10,007
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hunter
We go over average solar pricing in Hunter.
In Hunter, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Hunter is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,751 for a solar installation, or $25,384 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hunter homeowner. 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 fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Hunter can save about $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Hunter for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hunter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,586 |
| 3 years | $-14,256 |
| 5 years | $-11,926 |
| 7 years | $-9,596 |
| 9 years | $-7,266 |
| 11 years | $-4,936 |
| 13 years | $-2,606 |
| 15 years | $-276 |
| 17 years | $2,054 |
| 19 years | $4,384 |
| 21 years | $6,714 |
| 23 years | $9,044 |
| 25 years | $11,374 |
Top Solar Installers in Hunter
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hunter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hunter
The cost of installing a solar system in Hunter can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hunter, where sunlight is relatively 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hunter, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hunter homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Hunter, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $3,931 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $5,623 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $7,506 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $9,580 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $11,845 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $14,301 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $16,948 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $19,786 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Hunter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Hunter, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hunter?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hunter?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hunter is currently $236,450, so you can expect a value of about $9,694 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hunter is a rewarding investment.
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 decreases 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.