Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porter, OH (2024 Update)

  • Porter Solar Installation Cost: $17,605
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,092
  • Payback Period: 14.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Porter

We break down average solar pricing in Porter.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Porter, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Porter, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,605, or $25,175 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Porter homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Porter, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Porter

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,273
3 years $-13,609
5 years $-10,945
7 years $-8,281
9 years $-5,617
11 years $-2,953
13 years $-289
15 years $2,375
17 years $5,039
19 years $7,703
21 years $10,367
23 years $13,031
25 years $15,695

Top Solar Installers in Porter

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Porter

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porter

Though the average cost of a solar system in Porter is $17,605, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Porter, one of the most crucial 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 around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Porter provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Porter’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 $3.55 $14,895 $10,575 14.6 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $14,482 14.3 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $18,579 14.1 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $22,868 13.8 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $27,348 13.5 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $32,019 13.2 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $36,880 12.9 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $41,933 12.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Porter, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Porter?

The average cost of solar panels in Porter 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Porter?

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

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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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