Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lincoln Heights, OH (2023 Update)

  • Lincoln Heights Solar Installation Cost: $13,243
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,946
  • Payback Period: 13.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lincoln Heights

We break down average solar pricing in Lincoln Heights.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lincoln Heights it's 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Lincoln Heights is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,243 for a solar installation, or $18,937 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Lincoln Heights depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lincoln Heights

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,275
3 years $-10,340
5 years $-8,405
7 years $-6,470
9 years $-4,535
11 years $-2,600
13 years $-665
15 years $1,270
17 years $3,205
19 years $5,140
21 years $7,075
23 years $9,011
25 years $10,946

Top Solar Installers in Lincoln Heights

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Lincoln Heights

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lincoln Heights

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lincoln Heights: 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

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lincoln Heights average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Lincoln Heights have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Lincoln Heights homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Lincoln Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $8,461 14.2 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $11,568 14.0 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $14,818 13.7 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $18,212 13.4 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $21,749 13.1 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $25,430 12.9 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $29,253 12.6 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $33,221 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Lincoln Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lincoln Heights?

The average cost of solar panels in Lincoln Heights is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Lincoln Heights?

You can't get solar panels for free in Lincoln Heights. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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