Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oberlin, OH (2025 Update)

  • Oberlin Solar Installation Cost: $16,893
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,750
  • Payback Period: 13.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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 Oberlin

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Oberlin.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oberlin it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Oberlin, the average price of going solar will be about $16,893 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Oberlin depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Oberlin can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Oberlin for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Oberlin

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,673
3 years$-13,233
5 years$-10,792
7 years$-8,352
9 years$-5,911
11 years$-3,471
13 years$-1,030
15 years$1,410
17 years$3,851
19 years$6,291
21 years$8,732
23 years$11,172
25 years$13,612

Top Solar Installers in Oberlin

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Advertisement

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

See all of the solar companies in Oberlin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oberlin

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Oberlin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels 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 higher efficiency or power production require 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.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Oberlin homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Oberlin have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.55$14,895$10,90514.4 years
8 kW$3.48$19,478$14,92214.2 years
10 kW$3.41$23,870$19,13013.9 years
12 kW$3.34$28,071$23,52913.6 years
14 kW$3.27$32,081$28,11913.3 years
16 kW$3.21$35,900$32,90013.0 years
18 kW$3.14$39,529$37,87112.8 years
20 kW$3.07$42,966$43,03412.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • 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 system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • 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 you can expect about the installation process.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Advertisement

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

EcoWatch's Oberlin, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oberlin?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact my home 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 Oberlin is currently $216,011, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,856 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Oberlin is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.