Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Clinton, OH (2023 Update)

  • Port Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $13,614
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,388
  • Payback Period: 12.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Clinton

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Port Clinton.

The average cost of a solar system in Port Clinton is 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Port Clinton, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,619, or $19,475 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Port Clinton homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Port Clinton, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Port Clinton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,524
3 years $-13,344
5 years $-13,164
7 years $-12,984
9 years $-12,804
11 years $-12,624
13 years $-12,444
15 years $-12,264
17 years $-12,084
19 years $-11,904
21 years $-11,724
23 years $-11,544
25 years $-11,364

Top Solar Installers in Port Clinton

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

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 nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Port Clinton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Clinton

For many Port Clinton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Port Clinton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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 raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Port Clinton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Port Clinton, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Port Clinton know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $10,143 13.1 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $13,811 12.9 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $17,623 12.6 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $21,577 12.4 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $25,675 12.1 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $29,916 11.8 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $34,301 11.6 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $38,829 11.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences 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:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Port Clinton, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Clinton?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

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 it worth going solar in Port Clinton?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Port Clinton?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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