Solar Panel Cost Guide in Niles, OH (2023 Update)
- Niles Solar Installation Cost: $14,085
- 25-Year Savings: $12,352
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Niles
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Niles.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Niles it's 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Niles, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,085, or $20,142 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Niles see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Niles for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Niles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,028 |
| 3 years | $-10,913 |
| 5 years | $-8,798 |
| 7 years | $-6,683 |
| 9 years | $-4,568 |
| 11 years | $-2,453 |
| 13 years | $-338 |
| 15 years | $1,777 |
| 17 years | $3,892 |
| 19 years | $6,007 |
| 21 years | $8,122 |
| 23 years | $10,237 |
| 25 years | $12,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Niles
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Niles, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Niles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Niles
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Niles, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Most solar installers in Niles have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Niles is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more 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 lower 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $8,989 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,272 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $15,698 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,268 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $22,981 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $26,837 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $30,837 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $34,980 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Niles, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Niles, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Niles?
The average cost of solar panels in Niles 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Niles?
You can't get solar panels for free in Niles. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Niles, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.