Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, OH (2023 Update)
- Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $13,494
- 25-Year Savings: $18,548
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sidney.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sidney typically cost about 2.56. Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Sidney, the average price of going solar will be about $13,494 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. 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 solar installer you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Sidney homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sidney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,212 |
| 3 years | $-9,649 |
| 5 years | $-7,085 |
| 7 years | $-4,522 |
| 9 years | $-1,959 |
| 11 years | $605 |
| 13 years | $3,168 |
| 15 years | $5,732 |
| 17 years | $8,295 |
| 19 years | $10,858 |
| 21 years | $13,422 |
| 23 years | $15,985 |
| 25 years | $18,548 |
Top Solar Installers in Sidney
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Sidney, we've organized 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 Sidney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sidney
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Sidney: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sidney provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Sidney, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,347 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,416 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $24,628 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $29,984 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $35,483 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $41,125 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $46,911 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $52,840 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Sidney, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sidney?
The average cost of solar panels in Sidney is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sidney?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.