Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, OH (2024 Update)

  • Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $17,976
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,481
  • Payback Period: 14.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sidney

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sidney.

In Sidney, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Sidney is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,976 for a solar installation, or $25,706 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Sidney depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sidney find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Sidney

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,958
3 years $-14,921
5 years $-12,885
7 years $-10,848
9 years $-8,811
11 years $-6,775
13 years $-4,738
15 years $-2,702
17 years $-665
19 years $1,372
21 years $3,408
23 years $5,445
25 years $7,481

Top Solar Installers in Sidney

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sidney:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Sidney

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sidney

The cost of installing a solar system in Sidney can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,410 per kilowatt in Sidney.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sidney, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Sidney homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sidney homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Sidney’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $10,634 14.6 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $14,561 14.3 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $18,678 14.0 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $22,987 13.7 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $27,486 13.5 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $32,177 13.2 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $37,058 12.9 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $42,130 12.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Sidney, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Sidney, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sidney?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Sidney?

Solar panels aren’t free in Sidney, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Sidney?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.

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