Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie, OH (2025 Update)
- Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $18,014
- 25-Year Savings: $16,386
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Prairie.
In Prairie, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Prairie homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,014 with the federal tax credit, or $25,760 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Prairie homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Prairie can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,790 |
| 3 years | $-14,341 |
| 5 years | $-11,892 |
| 7 years | $-9,443 |
| 9 years | $-6,994 |
| 11 years | $-4,545 |
| 13 years | $-2,096 |
| 15 years | $353 |
| 17 years | $2,802 |
| 19 years | $5,251 |
| 21 years | $7,700 |
| 23 years | $10,149 |
| 25 years | $12,598 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairie
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie
For many Prairie homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prairie, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.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 are often more expensive 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Prairie homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Prairie’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $8,885 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,228 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,763 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,488 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $23,405 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $27,512 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $31,810 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $36,300 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly 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: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Prairie, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prairie?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $792.66 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.