Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem Heights, OH (2023 Update)
- Salem Heights Solar Installation Cost: $13,240
- 25-Year Savings: $10,949
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem Heights
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Salem Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Salem Heights generally cost about 2.56. The average solar panel system size in Salem Heights is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,243 for a solar installation, or $18,937 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Salem Heights based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Salem Heights find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Salem Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salem Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,075 |
| 3 years | $-9,745 |
| 5 years | $-7,415 |
| 7 years | $-5,085 |
| 9 years | $-2,755 |
| 11 years | $-425 |
| 13 years | $1,905 |
| 15 years | $4,235 |
| 17 years | $6,565 |
| 19 years | $8,895 |
| 21 years | $11,225 |
| 23 years | $13,555 |
| 25 years | $15,885 |
Top Solar Installers in Salem Heights
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Salem Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salem Heights
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Salem Heights, 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 electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type 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 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Salem Heights, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Salem Heights have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $8,461 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,568 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,818 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,212 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,749 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,430 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,253 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,221 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Salem Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Salem Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salem Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Salem Heights 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.