Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandusky, OH (2024 Update)
- Sandusky Solar Installation Cost: $16,595
- 25-Year Savings: $13,979
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandusky
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sandusky.
The average cost of a solar system in Sandusky is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sandusky is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,595 for a solar installation, or $23,731 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Sandusky depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sandusky can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandusky
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,375 |
| 3 years | $-12,934 |
| 5 years | $-10,494 |
| 7 years | $-8,053 |
| 9 years | $-5,613 |
| 11 years | $-3,172 |
| 13 years | $-732 |
| 15 years | $1,708 |
| 17 years | $4,149 |
| 19 years | $6,589 |
| 21 years | $9,030 |
| 23 years | $11,470 |
| 25 years | $13,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandusky
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Sandusky, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Sandusky
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandusky
The cost of installing a solar system in Sandusky can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sandusky, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sandusky homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Sandusky’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $7,921 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,944 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,157 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,561 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,156 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $24,943 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $28,920 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,088 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Sandusky, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sandusky?
The average cost of solar panels in Sandusky is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep 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 Sandusky?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.