Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Bernard, OH (Mar 2023)
- St Bernard Solar Installation Cost: $13,243
- 25-Year Savings: $10,946
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Bernard
We go over average solar pricing in St Bernard.
The average cost of solar panels in St Bernard is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,243 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St Bernard homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average St Bernard homeowner can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St Bernard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,275 |
| 3 years | $-10,340 |
| 5 years | $-8,405 |
| 7 years | $-6,470 |
| 9 years | $-4,535 |
| 11 years | $-2,600 |
| 13 years | $-665 |
| 15 years | $1,270 |
| 17 years | $3,205 |
| 19 years | $5,140 |
| 21 years | $7,075 |
| 23 years | $9,011 |
| 25 years | $10,946 |
Top Solar Installers in St Bernard
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in St Bernard:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 St Bernard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Bernard
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in St Bernard: 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 size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. St Bernard's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,461 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,568 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,818 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,212 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,749 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,430 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,253 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,221 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 St Bernard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St Bernard?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St Bernard?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
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.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.