Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, OH (Mar 2023)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $13,798
- 25-Year Savings: $16,488
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
We break down average solar pricing in Shelby.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shelby generally cost around 2.56. Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Shelby, the average price of going solar will be about $13,798 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Shelby homeowner. 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. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Shelby that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,587 |
| 3 years | $-10,164 |
| 5 years | $-7,741 |
| 7 years | $-5,318 |
| 9 years | $-2,895 |
| 11 years | $-473 |
| 13 years | $1,950 |
| 15 years | $4,373 |
| 17 years | $6,796 |
| 19 years | $9,219 |
| 21 years | $11,642 |
| 23 years | $14,065 |
| 25 years | $16,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
The cost of installing a solar system in Shelby can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Shelby homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Shelby, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $12,419 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,845 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,415 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,128 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $30,984 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $35,984 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $41,127 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $46,414 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect 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 some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Shelby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shelby?
The average cost of solar panels in Shelby 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Shelby?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Shelby, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.