Solar Panel Cost Guide in Napoleon, OH (2023 Update)

  • Napoleon Solar Installation Cost: $13,691
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,806
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Napoleon

We go over average solar pricing in Napoleon.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Napoleon generally cost around 2.56. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Napoleon, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,691, or $19,578 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Napoleon can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Napoleon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,431
3 years $-9,911
5 years $-7,392
7 years $-4,872
9 years $-2,352
11 years $168
13 years $2,687
15 years $5,207
17 years $7,727
19 years $10,246
21 years $12,766
23 years $15,286
25 years $17,806

Top Solar Installers in Napoleon

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Napoleon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Napoleon

Although the average cost of a solar system in Napoleon is $13,691, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Napoleon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Napoleon homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Napoleon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Napoleon have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $13,544 11.3 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $18,345 11.1 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $23,290 10.9 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $28,378 10.7 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $33,609 10.4 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $38,984 10.2 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $44,502 10.0 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $50,163 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Napoleon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Napoleon, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Napoleon?

The average cost of solar panels in Napoleon 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 certain factors such as the type 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 Napoleon?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Napoleon is currently $134,200, which means you could be looking at a value of about $5,502 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Napoleon is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Napoleon?

On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.

Follow us