Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portage Lakes, OH (2025 Update)
- Portage Lakes Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $12,436
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portage Lakes
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Portage Lakes.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Portage Lakes it’s 3 per watt.The average Portage Lakes homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,650 with the federal tax credit, or $26,670 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Portage Lakes can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Portage Lakes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,430 |
| 3 years | $-14,989 |
| 5 years | $-12,549 |
| 7 years | $-10,108 |
| 9 years | $-7,668 |
| 11 years | $-5,227 |
| 13 years | $-2,787 |
| 15 years | $-346 |
| 17 years | $2,094 |
| 19 years | $4,535 |
| 21 years | $6,975 |
| 23 years | $9,416 |
| 25 years | $11,856 |
Top Solar Installers in Portage Lakes
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Portage Lakes, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Portage Lakes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage Lakes
The cost of installing a solar system in Portage Lakes 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 your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Portage Lakes, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Portage Lakes provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Portage Lakes homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Portage Lakes, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $5,407 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,592 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,967 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,534 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,291 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,239 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,378 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,708 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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 EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Portage Lakes, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portage Lakes?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Portage Lakes?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $676.74 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.