Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northgate, OH (2023 Update)
- Northgate Solar Installation Cost: $13,240
- 25-Year Savings: $17,727
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northgate
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Northgate.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northgate it's 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Northgate is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,243 for a solar installation, or $18,937 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northgate homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Northgate for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Northgate
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,137 |
| 3 years | $-12,930 |
| 5 years | $-12,724 |
| 7 years | $-12,517 |
| 9 years | $-12,311 |
| 11 years | $-12,105 |
| 13 years | $-11,898 |
| 15 years | $-11,692 |
| 17 years | $-11,485 |
| 19 years | $-11,279 |
| 21 years | $-11,072 |
| 23 years | $-10,866 |
| 25 years | $-10,660 |
Top Solar Installers in Northgate
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company 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 looking for a solar company in Northgate, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Northgate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northgate
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Northgate: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need 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 $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northgate, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Northgate homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Northgate is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,966 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $18,908 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $23,993 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $29,221 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $34,593 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $40,109 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $45,767 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $51,570 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Northgate, 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Northgate, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northgate?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Northgate?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $838.26 per year.
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 install 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.