Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nelsonville, OH (Mar 2023)
- Nelsonville Solar Installation Cost: $13,440
- 25-Year Savings: $20,014
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nelsonville
We go over average solar pricing in Nelsonville.
In Nelsonville, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Nelsonville is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,440 for a solar installation, or $19,219 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Nelsonville depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Nelsonville homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Nelsonville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Nelsonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,102 |
| 3 years | $-9,425 |
| 5 years | $-6,749 |
| 7 years | $-4,073 |
| 9 years | $-1,396 |
| 11 years | $1,280 |
| 13 years | $3,956 |
| 15 years | $6,633 |
| 17 years | $9,309 |
| 19 years | $11,985 |
| 21 years | $14,662 |
| 23 years | $17,338 |
| 25 years | $20,014 |
Top Solar Installers in Nelsonville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Nelsonville:
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 Nelsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nelsonville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Nelsonville is $13,440, 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 important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Nelsonville. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Nelsonville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Nelsonville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Nelsonville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $15,576 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $21,055 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $26,677 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $32,443 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $38,352 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $44,404 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $50,599 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $56,938 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Nelsonville, 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Nelsonville, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Nelsonville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Nelsonville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Nelsonville. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Nelsonville?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.