Solar Panel Cost Guide in Niles, OH (2024 Update)
- Niles Solar Installation Cost: $18,771
- 25-Year Savings: $11,734
- Payback Period: 17.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Niles
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Niles.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Niles, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Niles is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,771 for a solar installation, or $26,843 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Niles depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Niles find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Niles, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Niles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,551 |
| 3 years | $-15,111 |
| 5 years | $-12,670 |
| 7 years | $-10,230 |
| 9 years | $-7,789 |
| 11 years | $-5,349 |
| 13 years | $-2,908 |
| 15 years | $-468 |
| 17 years | $1,972 |
| 19 years | $4,413 |
| 21 years | $6,853 |
| 23 years | $9,294 |
| 25 years | $11,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Niles
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Niles, we've 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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Niles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Niles
For many Niles homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Niles, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Niles is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Niles are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $5,276 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,416 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,748 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,270 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $14,984 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $17,888 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $20,983 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,270 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind 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 peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
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 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 $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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Niles?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Niles?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.