Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rome, OH (2023 Update)
- Rome Solar Installation Cost: $13,243
- 25-Year Savings: $20,212
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rome
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rome.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rome it's 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Rome, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,243, or $18,937 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rome
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,905 |
| 3 years | $-9,228 |
| 5 years | $-6,552 |
| 7 years | $-3,876 |
| 9 years | $-1,199 |
| 11 years | $1,477 |
| 13 years | $4,153 |
| 15 years | $6,830 |
| 17 years | $9,506 |
| 19 years | $12,183 |
| 21 years | $14,859 |
| 23 years | $17,535 |
| 25 years | $20,212 |
Top Solar Installers in Rome
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Rome:
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 Rome
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rome
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,560. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Rome have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $15,976 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $21,588 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $27,343 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $33,242 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $39,284 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $45,470 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $51,798 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $58,271 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Rome, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rome?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rome is currently $127,509, which means you can expect a value of about $5,228 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rome is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Rome?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.