Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pierce, OH (Mar 2023)
- Pierce Solar Installation Cost: $13,207
- 25-Year Savings: $10,981
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pierce
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Pierce.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pierce, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Pierce, the average price of going solar will be about $13,207 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Pierce depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Pierce see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pierce
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,240 |
| 3 years | $-10,304 |
| 5 years | $-8,369 |
| 7 years | $-6,434 |
| 9 years | $-4,499 |
| 11 years | $-2,564 |
| 13 years | $-629 |
| 15 years | $1,306 |
| 17 years | $3,241 |
| 19 years | $5,176 |
| 21 years | $7,111 |
| 23 years | $9,046 |
| 25 years | $10,981 |
Top Solar Installers in Pierce
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar 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 Pierce
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pierce
The cost of installing a solar system in Pierce can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Pierce, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Pierce, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pierce to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pierce is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 discount 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $8,518 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,644 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,914 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,326 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,883 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,582 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,425 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,411 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Pierce, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pierce?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pierce?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pierce, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Pierce?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.