Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, OH (2023 Update)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $13,332
- 25-Year Savings: $12,082
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Middletown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Middletown typically cost around 2.56. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Middletown, the average price of going solar will be about $13,332 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Middletown depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Middletown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,316 |
| 3 years | $-10,283 |
| 5 years | $-8,250 |
| 7 years | $-6,216 |
| 9 years | $-4,183 |
| 11 years | $-2,150 |
| 13 years | $-117 |
| 15 years | $1,916 |
| 17 years | $3,950 |
| 19 years | $5,983 |
| 21 years | $8,016 |
| 23 years | $10,049 |
| 25 years | $12,082 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
There are several criteria that can play into 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 system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Middletown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $9,326 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,721 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,260 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,942 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,767 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $27,736 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $31,848 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,103 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, 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 kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Middletown, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middletown?
The average cost of solar panels in Middletown 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $683.59 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Middletown?
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 opt 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.