Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plain City, OH (2023 Update)
- Plain City Solar Installation Cost: $13,482
- 25-Year Savings: $13,947
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plain City
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Plain City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plain City, the average cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Plain City, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,476, or $19,271 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Plain City homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Plain City homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Plain City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plain City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,464 |
| 3 years | $-10,428 |
| 5 years | $-8,391 |
| 7 years | $-6,354 |
| 9 years | $-4,318 |
| 11 years | $-2,281 |
| 13 years | $-245 |
| 15 years | $1,792 |
| 17 years | $3,829 |
| 19 years | $5,865 |
| 21 years | $7,902 |
| 23 years | $9,938 |
| 25 years | $11,975 |
Top Solar Installers in Plain City
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Plain City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plain City
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Plain City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Plain City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Plain City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Plain City 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Plain City, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $10,692 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,543 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,537 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $22,674 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $26,955 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,379 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $35,947 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $40,658 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Plain City, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plain City?
The average cost of solar panels in Plain City 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Plain City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Plain City. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $729.14 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get 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.