Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northfield Center, OH (2024 Update)

  • Northfield Center Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,297
  • Payback Period: 16.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northfield Center

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Northfield Center.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northfield Center, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,650 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Northfield Center depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Northfield Center can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Northfield Center

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,396
3 years $-14,888
5 years $-12,381
7 years $-9,873
9 years $-7,365
11 years $-4,858
13 years $-2,350
15 years $157
17 years $2,665
19 years $5,173
21 years $7,680
23 years $10,188
25 years $12,695

Top Solar Installers in Northfield Center

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Northfield Center, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Northfield Center

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northfield Center

There are several criteria that can affect your solar system 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

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Northfield Center to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company 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.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Northfield Center homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Northfield Center, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

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 $6,836 17.1 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $9,497 16.8 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $12,349 16.5 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $15,392 16.1 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $18,625 15.8 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $22,050 15.5 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $25,665 15.2 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $29,472 14.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Northfield Center, 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:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Northfield Center, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northfield Center?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Northfield Center?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Northfield Center, 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 further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Northfield Center, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

Follow us