Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandusky, OH (2023 Update)
- Sandusky Solar Installation Cost: $16,595
- 25-Year Savings: $13,979
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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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 panel 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 be above or below the average in Sandusky depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive 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 | $-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 opt to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sandusky
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandusky
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sandusky: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time 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
EcoWatch's Sandusky, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sandusky?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Sandusky have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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.