Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem Heights, OH (Mar 2023)
- Salem Heights Solar Installation Cost: $13,243
- 25-Year Savings: $10,946
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem Heights
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Salem Heights.
The average cost of a solar system in Salem Heights is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,243 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Salem Heights depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Salem Heights homeowner can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salem Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,275 |
| 3 years | $-10,340 |
| 5 years | $-8,405 |
| 7 years | $-6,470 |
| 9 years | $-4,535 |
| 11 years | $-2,600 |
| 13 years | $-665 |
| 15 years | $1,270 |
| 17 years | $3,205 |
| 19 years | $5,140 |
| 21 years | $7,075 |
| 23 years | $9,011 |
| 25 years | $10,946 |
Top Solar Installers in Salem Heights
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Salem Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salem Heights
There are many criteria that can play into 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Salem Heights, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Salem Heights is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 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 actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Salem Heights?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 amount of 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 install 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.
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.