Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, OH (Mar 2023)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $13,243
- 25-Year Savings: $10,946
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
We break down average solar pricing in Montgomery.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Montgomery it's 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Montgomery, the average price of going solar will be about $13,243 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Montgomery homeowner can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,275 |
| 3 years | $-10,340 |
| 5 years | $-8,405 |
| 7 years | $-6,470 |
| 9 years | $-4,535 |
| 11 years | $-2,600 |
| 13 years | $-665 |
| 15 years | $1,270 |
| 17 years | $3,205 |
| 19 years | $5,140 |
| 21 years | $7,075 |
| 23 years | $9,011 |
| 25 years | $10,946 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Montgomery, we've compiled 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Montgomery: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
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 about $2,560 per kilowatt in Montgomery. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Montgomery average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Montgomery is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $8,461 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,568 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,818 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,212 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,749 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,430 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,253 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,221 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Montgomery, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Montgomery, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montgomery?
The average cost of solar panels in Montgomery 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Montgomery?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
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 $654.77 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.