Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandusky, OH (2023 Update)
- Sandusky Solar Installation Cost: $12,454
- 25-Year Savings: $13,983
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandusky
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sandusky.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sandusky typically cost around 2.56. The average solar panel system size in Sandusky is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,454 for a solar installation, or $17,809 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sandusky homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Sandusky homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Sandusky, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandusky
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,397 |
| 3 years | $-9,282 |
| 5 years | $-7,167 |
| 7 years | $-5,052 |
| 9 years | $-2,937 |
| 11 years | $-822 |
| 13 years | $1,293 |
| 15 years | $3,408 |
| 17 years | $5,523 |
| 19 years | $7,638 |
| 21 years | $9,753 |
| 23 years | $11,868 |
| 25 years | $13,983 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandusky
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sandusky
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandusky
There are several factors 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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sandusky average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sandusky to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Sandusky homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Sandusky, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sandusky know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $11,634 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,799 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,107 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $24,558 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $29,153 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $33,891 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $38,773 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $43,798 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Sandusky, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sandusky?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sandusky?
A solar panel system isn't free in Sandusky, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sandusky?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.