Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plain, OH (2023 Update)
- Plain Solar Installation Cost: $13,942
- 25-Year Savings: $13,558
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plain
We break down average solar pricing in Plain.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plain generally cost around 2.56. Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Plain, the average price of going solar will be about $13,942 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plain find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Plain, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,842 |
| 3 years | $-10,642 |
| 5 years | $-8,442 |
| 7 years | $-6,242 |
| 9 years | $-4,042 |
| 11 years | $-1,842 |
| 13 years | $358 |
| 15 years | $2,558 |
| 17 years | $4,758 |
| 19 years | $6,958 |
| 21 years | $9,158 |
| 23 years | $11,358 |
| 25 years | $13,558 |
Top Solar Installers in Plain
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Plain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plain
For many Plain homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plain, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in Plain. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plain to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $10,034 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,666 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $17,441 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $21,359 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $25,421 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $29,626 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $33,974 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $38,466 | 11.4 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. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important 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 completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Plain, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plain?
The average cost of solar panels in Plain is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Plain?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 Plain is currently $140,866, so you can expect a value of about $5,776 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Plain is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.