Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocky River, OH (2023 Update)
- Rocky River Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
- 25-Year Savings: $17,010
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocky River
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rocky River.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rocky River it's 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rocky River, the average price of going solar will be about $14,121 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rocky River can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rocky River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,876 |
| 3 years | $-10,385 |
| 5 years | $-7,895 |
| 7 years | $-5,404 |
| 9 years | $-2,914 |
| 11 years | $-423 |
| 13 years | $2,067 |
| 15 years | $4,557 |
| 17 years | $7,048 |
| 19 years | $9,538 |
| 21 years | $12,029 |
| 23 years | $14,519 |
| 25 years | $17,010 |
Top Solar Installers in Rocky River
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Rocky River:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Rocky River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocky River
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Rocky River: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main 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 $2,560. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Rocky River provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rocky River is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $12,530 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,993 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,600 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,350 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $31,244 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $36,281 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $41,461 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $46,784 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Rocky River, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rocky River?
The average cost of solar panels in Rocky River 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely 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 Rocky River?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.