Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kent, OH (2024 Update)
- Kent Solar Installation Cost: $18,596
- 25-Year Savings: $12,477
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kent
We go over average solar pricing in Kent.
In Kent, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Kent is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,596 for a solar installation, or $26,592 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Kent can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Kent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,376 |
| 3 years | $-14,935 |
| 5 years | $-12,495 |
| 7 years | $-10,054 |
| 9 years | $-7,614 |
| 11 years | $-5,173 |
| 13 years | $-2,733 |
| 15 years | $-292 |
| 17 years | $2,148 |
| 19 years | $4,588 |
| 21 years | $7,029 |
| 23 years | $9,469 |
| 25 years | $11,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Kent
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Kent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kent
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Kent: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Kent.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Kent, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kent, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $5,466 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,670 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,065 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,651 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,428 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,396 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,555 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,904 | 15.8 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Kent, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kent?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kent?
Solar panels aren’t free in Kent, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kent is currently $215,922, so you can expect a value of about $8,853 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kent is a fruitful investment.
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 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.