Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oberlin, OH (2023 Update)
- Oberlin Solar Installation Cost: $12,687
- 25-Year Savings: $17,745
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oberlin
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oberlin.
In Oberlin, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Oberlin is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,687 for a solar installation, or $18,142 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Oberlin depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Oberlin can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Oberlin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oberlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,470 |
| 3 years | $-9,035 |
| 5 years | $-6,601 |
| 7 years | $-4,166 |
| 9 years | $-1,732 |
| 11 years | $703 |
| 13 years | $3,137 |
| 15 years | $5,572 |
| 17 years | $8,007 |
| 19 years | $10,441 |
| 21 years | $12,876 |
| 23 years | $15,310 |
| 25 years | $17,745 |
Top Solar Installers in Oberlin
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working 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.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Oberlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oberlin
For many Oberlin homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oberlin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Oberlin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oberlin to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Oberlin homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Oberlin know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $14,618 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,777 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $25,080 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $30,526 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $36,116 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $41,849 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $47,725 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $53,744 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Oberlin, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oberlin?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Oberlin?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.