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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Nelsonville find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
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
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Nelsonville:
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 Nelsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nelsonville
There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,410 per kilowatt in Nelsonville.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Nelsonville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Nelsonville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Nelsonville, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Nelsonville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.