Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porter, OH (Jan 2023)
- Porter Solar Installation Cost: $13,225
- 25-Year Savings: $18,084
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Porter
We break down average solar pricing in Porter.
In Porter, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average Porter homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,225, or $9,786 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Porter homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Porter can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Porter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,973 |
| 3 years | $-9,468 |
| 5 years | $-6,963 |
| 7 years | $-4,459 |
| 9 years | $-1,954 |
| 11 years | $551 |
| 13 years | $3,055 |
| 15 years | $5,560 |
| 17 years | $8,065 |
| 19 years | $10,570 |
| 21 years | $13,074 |
| 23 years | $15,579 |
| 25 years | $18,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Porter
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Porter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porter
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy 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 primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Porter homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Porter is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $14,288 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,337 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $24,529 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $29,865 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $35,345 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $40,967 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $46,733 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $52,643 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Porter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Porter, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Porter?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly 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?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy 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.