Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, OH (2024 Update)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $17,749
- 25-Year Savings: $12,090
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Middletown.
In Middletown, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,749 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Middletown homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Middletown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,584 |
| 3 years | $-14,254 |
| 5 years | $-11,924 |
| 7 years | $-9,594 |
| 9 years | $-7,264 |
| 11 years | $-4,934 |
| 13 years | $-2,604 |
| 15 years | $-274 |
| 17 years | $2,056 |
| 19 years | $4,386 |
| 21 years | $6,716 |
| 23 years | $9,046 |
| 25 years | $11,376 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Middletown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Middletown.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Middletown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Middletown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Middletown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 car 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $5,613 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,866 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,310 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,944 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,770 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,787 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,994 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $25,393 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Middletown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. 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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.