Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norwalk, OH (2023 Update)

  • Norwalk Solar Installation Cost: $12,419
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,574
  • Payback Period: 10.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Norwalk

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Norwalk.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Norwalk it's 2.56 per watt. Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Norwalk, the average price of going solar will be about $12,419 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Norwalk homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Norwalk, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Norwalk

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,219
3 years $-8,819
5 years $-6,420
7 years $-4,021
9 years $-1,621
11 years $778
13 years $3,178
15 years $5,577
17 years $7,977
19 years $10,376
21 years $12,776
23 years $15,175
25 years $17,574

Top Solar Installers in Norwalk

Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Norwalk

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norwalk

For many Norwalk homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Norwalk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Norwalk. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Norwalk homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $14,804 10.8 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $20,025 10.6 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $25,390 10.3 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $30,898 10.1 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $36,549 9.9 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $42,344 9.7 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $48,282 9.5 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $54,363 9.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • 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 brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Norwalk, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norwalk?

The average cost of solar panels in Norwalk is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Norwalk is currently $139,000, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,699 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Norwalk is a fruitful investment.

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 goes down 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.

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