Solar Panel Cost Guide in North College Hill, OH (2024 Update)
- North College Hill Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $10,949
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North College Hill
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North College Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North College Hill, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in North College Hill, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,636, or $25,219 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in North College Hill can save around $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North College Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,471 |
| 3 years | $-14,141 |
| 5 years | $-11,811 |
| 7 years | $-9,481 |
| 9 years | $-7,151 |
| 11 years | $-4,821 |
| 13 years | $-2,491 |
| 15 years | $-161 |
| 17 years | $2,169 |
| 19 years | $4,499 |
| 21 years | $6,828 |
| 23 years | $9,158 |
| 25 years | $11,488 |
Top Solar Installers in North College Hill
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote 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 North College Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North College Hill
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in North College Hill, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North College Hill average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North College Hill to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. North College Hill’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more 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 down 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 | $4,748 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $6,713 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $8,868 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $11,215 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $13,752 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $16,481 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $19,400 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $22,511 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years 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 aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers 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.
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 North College Hill, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North College Hill?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North College Hill?
Solar panels aren’t free in North College Hill, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North College Hill, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 cover 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.