Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleton, OH (2023 Update)
- Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $13,709
- 25-Year Savings: $16,553
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middleton
We break down average solar pricing in Middleton.
The average cost of a solar system in Middleton is 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Middleton, the average price of going solar will be about $13,709 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Middleton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Middleton homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,498 |
| 3 years | $-10,077 |
| 5 years | $-7,656 |
| 7 years | $-5,236 |
| 9 years | $-2,815 |
| 11 years | $-394 |
| 13 years | $2,027 |
| 15 years | $4,448 |
| 17 years | $6,869 |
| 19 years | $9,290 |
| 21 years | $11,711 |
| 23 years | $14,132 |
| 25 years | $16,553 |
Top Solar Installers in Middleton
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleton
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Middleton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,539 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,006 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,615 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,368 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $31,265 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $36,305 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $41,488 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $46,815 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar 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.
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 Middleton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middleton?
The average cost of solar panels in Middleton is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Middleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Middleton?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority 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 energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Middleton?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.