Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shadyside, OH (2023 Update)
- Shadyside Solar Installation Cost: $13,852
- 25-Year Savings: $16,414
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shadyside
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Shadyside.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shadyside typically cost about 2.56. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $13,852 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Shadyside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shadyside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,642 |
| 3 years | $-10,220 |
| 5 years | $-7,799 |
| 7 years | $-5,378 |
| 9 years | $-2,956 |
| 11 years | $-535 |
| 13 years | $1,886 |
| 15 years | $4,307 |
| 17 years | $6,729 |
| 19 years | $9,150 |
| 21 years | $11,571 |
| 23 years | $13,993 |
| 25 years | $16,414 |
Top Solar Installers in Shadyside
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Shadyside, the EcoWatch team has 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 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 Shadyside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shadyside
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require 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 $2,560. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Shadyside homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Shadyside homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Shadyside is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $12,308 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,697 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,230 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $25,906 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $30,726 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $35,689 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $40,795 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $46,044 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Shadyside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Shadyside, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shadyside?
The average cost of solar panels in Shadyside 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Shadyside?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.