Solar Panel Cost Guide in Independence, OH (2023 Update)
- Independence Solar Installation Cost: $14,116
- 25-Year Savings: $15,842
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Independence
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Independence.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Independence it's 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Independence, the average price of going solar will be about $14,121 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Independence find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Independence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,016 |
| 3 years | $-13,816 |
| 5 years | $-13,617 |
| 7 years | $-13,417 |
| 9 years | $-13,217 |
| 11 years | $-13,017 |
| 13 years | $-12,818 |
| 15 years | $-12,618 |
| 17 years | $-12,418 |
| 19 years | $-12,218 |
| 21 years | $-12,019 |
| 23 years | $-11,819 |
| 25 years | $-11,619 |
Top Solar Installers in Independence
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Independence:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Independence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Independence
Although the average cost of a solar system in Independence is $14,121, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,560. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Independence, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Independence homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Independence is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $11,636 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,802 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,111 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $24,563 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $29,158 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $33,897 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $38,780 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $43,805 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Independence, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Independence?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Independence have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.