Solar Panel Cost Guide in Solon, OH (Mar 2023)

  • Solon Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,945
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Solon

We break down average solar pricing in Solon.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Solon, the average cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Solon is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,121 for a solar installation, or $20,193 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Solon for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Solon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,038
3 years $-10,873
5 years $-8,708
7 years $-6,543
9 years $-4,377
11 years $-2,212
13 years $-47
15 years $2,118
17 years $4,284
19 years $6,449
21 years $8,614
23 years $10,780
25 years $12,945

Top Solar Installers in Solon

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Solon:

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Solon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Solon

For many Solon homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Solon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Solon. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Solon, where sunlight isn't as 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Solon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Solon is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.

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 $9,434 13.6 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $12,865 13.3 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $16,440 13.0 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $20,158 12.8 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $24,019 12.5 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $28,024 12.3 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $32,172 12.0 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $36,463 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Solon, OH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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