Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa Hills, OH (2024 Update)
- Ottawa Hills Solar Installation Cost: $18,269
- 25-Year Savings: $14,416
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa Hills
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ottawa Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ottawa Hills, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Ottawa Hills, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,269, or $26,125 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Ottawa Hills depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Ottawa Hills homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,972 |
| 3 years | $-14,377 |
| 5 years | $-11,782 |
| 7 years | $-9,188 |
| 9 years | $-6,593 |
| 11 years | $-3,999 |
| 13 years | $-1,404 |
| 15 years | $1,190 |
| 17 years | $3,785 |
| 19 years | $6,380 |
| 21 years | $8,974 |
| 23 years | $11,569 |
| 25 years | $14,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa Hills
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Ottawa Hills, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Ottawa Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa Hills
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ottawa Hills is $18,269, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation 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 type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ottawa Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ottawa Hills to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ottawa Hills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,158 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,927 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,886 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,036 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,377 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,908 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,631 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $30,545 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Ottawa Hills, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa Hills?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ottawa Hills?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ottawa Hills. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.