Solar Panel Cost Guide in Liberty, OH (2023 Update)
- Liberty Solar Installation Cost: $13,323
- 25-Year Savings: $13,459
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Liberty
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Liberty.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Liberty, the average cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Liberty, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,315, or $19,040 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Liberty based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Liberty find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Liberty, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Liberty
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,158 |
| 3 years | $-9,828 |
| 5 years | $-7,498 |
| 7 years | $-5,168 |
| 9 years | $-2,838 |
| 11 years | $-508 |
| 13 years | $1,821 |
| 15 years | $4,151 |
| 17 years | $6,481 |
| 19 years | $8,811 |
| 21 years | $11,141 |
| 23 years | $13,471 |
| 25 years | $15,801 |
Top Solar Installers in Liberty
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Liberty:
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 Liberty
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Liberty
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Liberty: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in Liberty. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Liberty, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,431 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,195 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,102 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $22,153 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $26,346 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $30,684 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $35,164 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $39,788 | 11.2 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: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Liberty, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Liberty?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, 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 Liberty?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Liberty, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.