Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, OH (2024 Update)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $18,379
- 25-Year Savings: $16,489
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Shelby.
In Shelby, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Shelby, the average price of going solar will be about $18,379 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different 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 Shelby homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Shelby for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,158 |
| 3 years | $-14,718 |
| 5 years | $-12,277 |
| 7 years | $-9,837 |
| 9 years | $-7,397 |
| 11 years | $-4,956 |
| 13 years | $-2,516 |
| 15 years | $-75 |
| 17 years | $2,365 |
| 19 years | $4,806 |
| 21 years | $7,246 |
| 23 years | $9,687 |
| 25 years | $12,127 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
Though the average cost of a solar system in Shelby is $18,379, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shelby, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Shelby, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Shelby, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $8,706 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,990 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,465 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,131 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $22,988 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $27,035 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $31,274 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $35,704 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Shelby, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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 company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- 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 do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Shelby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shelby?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Shelby?
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 electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.