Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nelsonville, OH (2024 Update)
- Nelsonville Solar Installation Cost: $17,906
- 25-Year Savings: $20,012
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nelsonville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Nelsonville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Nelsonville typically cost around 3.The average Nelsonville homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,906 with the federal tax credit, or $25,606 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Nelsonville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Nelsonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,574 |
| 3 years | $-13,910 |
| 5 years | $-11,246 |
| 7 years | $-8,582 |
| 9 years | $-5,918 |
| 11 years | $-3,254 |
| 13 years | $-590 |
| 15 years | $2,074 |
| 17 years | $4,738 |
| 19 years | $7,402 |
| 21 years | $10,066 |
| 23 years | $12,731 |
| 25 years | $15,395 |
Top Solar Installers in Nelsonville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
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 nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Nelsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nelsonville
The cost of installing a solar system in Nelsonville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Nelsonville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Nelsonville average.
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 Nelsonville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Nelsonville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,863 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $16,200 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $20,727 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $25,445 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $30,355 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $35,455 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $40,746 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $46,228 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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 National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Nelsonville, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Nelsonville?
The average cost of solar panels in Nelsonville is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $891.94 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Nelsonville?
Though 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 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.