Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Darby, OH (2024 Update)
- Lake Darby Solar Installation Cost: $18,014
- 25-Year Savings: $15,229
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Darby
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lake Darby.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lake Darby is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lake Darby is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,014 for a solar installation, or $25,760 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lake Darby based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Lake Darby that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lake Darby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,794 |
| 3 years | $-14,353 |
| 5 years | $-11,913 |
| 7 years | $-9,472 |
| 9 years | $-7,032 |
| 11 years | $-4,592 |
| 13 years | $-2,151 |
| 15 years | $289 |
| 17 years | $2,730 |
| 19 years | $5,170 |
| 21 years | $7,611 |
| 23 years | $10,051 |
| 25 years | $12,492 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Darby
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Lake Darby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Darby
While the average cost of a solar system in Lake Darby is $18,014, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lake Darby, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lake Darby to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lake Darby homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Lake Darby, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,965 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,001 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,229 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,648 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,257 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $25,058 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $29,049 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,232 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Lake Darby, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Lake Darby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Darby?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Lake Darby?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 higher 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.