Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kent, OH (2023 Update)
- Kent Solar Installation Cost: $13,960
- 25-Year Savings: $12,478
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kent
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Kent.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kent it's 2.56 per watt. The average Kent homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,960 with the federal tax credit, or $19,963 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,902 |
| 3 years | $-10,787 |
| 5 years | $-8,672 |
| 7 years | $-6,557 |
| 9 years | $-4,442 |
| 11 years | $-2,327 |
| 13 years | $-212 |
| 15 years | $1,903 |
| 17 years | $4,018 |
| 19 years | $6,133 |
| 21 years | $8,248 |
| 23 years | $10,363 |
| 25 years | $12,478 |
Top Solar Installers in Kent
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Kent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kent
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Kent is $13,960, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable 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 $2,560. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Kent homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Kent homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $9,179 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,525 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,015 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,648 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,425 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $27,345 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $31,408 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $35,614 | 11.9 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Kent, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kent?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kent?
A solar panel system isn't free in Kent, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Kent?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Kent?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.