Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, OH (2023 Update)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $13,797
- 25-Year Savings: $16,489
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
We go over average solar pricing in Shelby.
In Shelby, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Shelby, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,798, or $19,731 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Shelby homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,696 |
| 3 years | $-13,495 |
| 5 years | $-13,293 |
| 7 years | $-13,091 |
| 9 years | $-12,889 |
| 11 years | $-12,687 |
| 13 years | $-12,485 |
| 15 years | $-12,283 |
| 17 years | $-12,081 |
| 19 years | $-11,879 |
| 21 years | $-11,677 |
| 23 years | $-11,476 |
| 25 years | $-11,274 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar 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. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Shelby's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Shelby have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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 installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Shelby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelby?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Shelby?
You can't get solar panels for free in Shelby. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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.