Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa Hills, OH (Mar 2023)
- Ottawa Hills Solar Installation Cost: $13,709
- 25-Year Savings: $14,422
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa Hills
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ottawa Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ottawa Hills generally cost about 2.56. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ottawa Hills, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,709, or $19,604 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Ottawa Hills homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Ottawa Hills for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,584 |
| 3 years | $-10,333 |
| 5 years | $-8,083 |
| 7 years | $-5,832 |
| 9 years | $-3,582 |
| 11 years | $-1,331 |
| 13 years | $919 |
| 15 years | $3,170 |
| 17 years | $5,420 |
| 19 years | $7,671 |
| 21 years | $9,921 |
| 23 years | $12,172 |
| 25 years | $14,422 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa Hills
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
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:
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 Ottawa Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa Hills
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ottawa Hills, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ottawa Hills homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ottawa Hills, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $10,871 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,782 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,836 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,033 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,373 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,857 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,485 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,255 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Ottawa Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Ottawa Hills, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Ottawa Hills is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Ottawa Hills have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.