Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleton, OH (2023 Update)
- Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $13,716
- 25-Year Savings: $16,545
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middleton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Middleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middleton it's 2.56 per watt. The average Middleton homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,709 with the federal tax credit, or $19,604 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Middleton depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,615 |
| 3 years | $-13,414 |
| 5 years | $-13,212 |
| 7 years | $-13,010 |
| 9 years | $-12,809 |
| 11 years | $-12,607 |
| 13 years | $-12,405 |
| 15 years | $-12,203 |
| 17 years | $-12,002 |
| 19 years | $-11,800 |
| 21 years | $-11,598 |
| 23 years | $-11,396 |
| 25 years | $-11,195 |
Top Solar Installers in Middleton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Middleton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleton
There are many factors that can influence your 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
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in Middleton. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Middleton, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Middleton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Middleton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Middleton, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 larger 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 | $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
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Middleton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middleton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 $196,864, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,071 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Middleton is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production 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.