Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie, OH (2023 Update)
- Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $13,530
- 25-Year Savings: $16,380
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie
We go over average solar pricing in Prairie.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Prairie, the average cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Prairie, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,530, or $19,348 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Prairie homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Prairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,333 |
| 3 years | $-9,940 |
| 5 years | $-7,548 |
| 7 years | $-5,155 |
| 9 years | $-2,762 |
| 11 years | $-369 |
| 13 years | $2,024 |
| 15 years | $4,416 |
| 17 years | $6,809 |
| 19 years | $9,202 |
| 21 years | $11,595 |
| 23 years | $13,988 |
| 25 years | $16,380 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairie
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie
The cost of installing a solar system in Prairie can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,560 per kilowatt in Prairie. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Prairie, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Prairie's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,598 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,084 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,713 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,485 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $31,401 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $36,461 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $41,664 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $47,010 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Prairie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Prairie, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prairie?
The average cost of solar panels in Prairie is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Prairie?
Solar panels aren't free in Prairie, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Prairie is currently $136,916, so you could be looking at a value of about $5,614 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Prairie is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.