Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, OH (Feb 2023)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $13,458
- 25-Year Savings: $14,257
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Jefferson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jefferson it's $3 per watt. The average Jefferson homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,458, or $9,959 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Jefferson depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Jefferson see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,349 |
| 3 years | $-10,132 |
| 5 years | $-7,915 |
| 7 years | $-5,698 |
| 9 years | $-3,481 |
| 11 years | $-1,263 |
| 13 years | $954 |
| 15 years | $3,171 |
| 17 years | $5,388 |
| 19 years | $7,605 |
| 21 years | $9,823 |
| 23 years | $12,040 |
| 25 years | $14,257 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
For many Jefferson homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jefferson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Jefferson have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $10,963 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,904 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,988 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,216 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,587 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $32,101 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,759 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,560 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Jefferson, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Jefferson?
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 don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Jefferson?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 how much 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 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.