Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakwood, OH (2024 Update)
- Oakwood Solar Installation Cost: $17,915
- 25-Year Savings: $9,027
- Payback Period: 19.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakwood
We break down average solar pricing in Oakwood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oakwood it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,915 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Oakwood homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Oakwood see about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Oakwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oakwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,897 |
| 3 years | $-14,860 |
| 5 years | $-12,823 |
| 7 years | $-10,787 |
| 9 years | $-8,750 |
| 11 years | $-6,714 |
| 13 years | $-4,677 |
| 15 years | $-2,640 |
| 17 years | $-604 |
| 19 years | $1,433 |
| 21 years | $3,469 |
| 23 years | $5,506 |
| 25 years | $7,543 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakwood
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Oakwood, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Oakwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakwood
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Oakwood is $17,915, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Oakwood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Oakwood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $3,074 | 20.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $4,480 | 20.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $6,078 | 19.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $7,866 | 19.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $9,846 | 19.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $12,016 | 18.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $14,377 | 18.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $16,930 | 17.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Oakwood, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oakwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Oakwood is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oakwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.