Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Clinton, OH (2024 Update)
- Port Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $18,134
- 25-Year Savings: $13,388
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Clinton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Port Clinton.
The average cost of solar panels in Port Clinton is 3 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Port Clinton, the average price of going solar will be about $18,134 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Port Clinton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Port Clinton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,914 |
| 3 years | $-14,473 |
| 5 years | $-12,033 |
| 7 years | $-9,592 |
| 9 years | $-7,152 |
| 11 years | $-4,712 |
| 13 years | $-2,271 |
| 15 years | $169 |
| 17 years | $2,610 |
| 19 years | $5,050 |
| 21 years | $7,491 |
| 23 years | $9,931 |
| 25 years | $12,372 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Clinton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Port Clinton, we've put together 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 Port Clinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Clinton
The cost of installing a solar system in Port Clinton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Port Clinton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Most solar installers in Port Clinton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Port Clinton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $6,431 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,956 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,673 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,580 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,678 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,968 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $24,448 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $28,119 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Port Clinton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Clinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Clinton is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Port Clinton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Port Clinton. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 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.