Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleton, OH (2024 Update)
- Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $18,271
- 25-Year Savings: $16,545
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middleton
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Middleton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Middleton, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $18,271 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Middleton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,965 |
| 3 years | $-14,353 |
| 5 years | $-11,741 |
| 7 years | $-9,129 |
| 9 years | $-6,517 |
| 11 years | $-3,905 |
| 13 years | $-1,293 |
| 15 years | $1,319 |
| 17 years | $3,931 |
| 19 years | $6,543 |
| 21 years | $9,155 |
| 23 years | $11,767 |
| 25 years | $14,379 |
Top Solar Installers in Middleton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleton
The cost of installing a solar system in Middleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,410 per kilowatt in Middleton.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Middleton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Middleton’s 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 your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $8,826 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,150 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,665 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,371 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $23,268 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $27,356 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $31,635 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $36,105 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Middleton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middleton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional 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 it better to lease or buy solar panels in Middleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
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 Middleton is currently $275,535, so you can expect a value of about $11,297 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middleton is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.