Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nelson, OH (2023 Update)
- Nelson Solar Installation Cost: $13,960
- 25-Year Savings: $12,792
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nelson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Nelson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Nelson it's 2.56 per watt. The average Nelson homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,960 with the federal tax credit, or $19,963 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Nelson homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Nelson homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Nelson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,890 |
| 3 years | $-10,750 |
| 5 years | $-8,609 |
| 7 years | $-6,469 |
| 9 years | $-4,329 |
| 11 years | $-2,189 |
| 13 years | $-49 |
| 15 years | $2,091 |
| 17 years | $4,231 |
| 19 years | $6,371 |
| 21 years | $8,512 |
| 23 years | $10,652 |
| 25 years | $12,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Nelson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Nelson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nelson
While the average cost of a solar system in Nelson is $13,960, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Nelson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Nelson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Nelson provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Nelson's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,421 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,848 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,419 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,132 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,989 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $27,990 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,134 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,421 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Nelson, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Nelson?
The average cost of solar panels in Nelson 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Nelson?
Solar panels aren't free in Nelson, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Nelson is currently $151,884, which means you can expect a value of about $6,227 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Nelson is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.