Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Bernard, OH (2024 Update)
- St. Bernard Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $10,949
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Bernard
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Bernard.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. Bernard, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,636 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Bernard see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in St. Bernard, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Bernard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,471 |
| 3 years | $-14,141 |
| 5 years | $-11,811 |
| 7 years | $-9,481 |
| 9 years | $-7,151 |
| 11 years | $-4,821 |
| 13 years | $-2,491 |
| 15 years | $-161 |
| 17 years | $2,169 |
| 19 years | $4,499 |
| 21 years | $6,828 |
| 23 years | $9,158 |
| 25 years | $11,488 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Bernard
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 St. Bernard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Bernard
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St. Bernard is $17,636, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,410.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the St. Bernard average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in St. Bernard, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Bernard, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $4,748 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $6,713 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $8,868 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $11,215 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $13,752 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $16,481 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $19,400 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $22,511 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's St. Bernard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Bernard?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Bernard is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in St. Bernard?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Bernard. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in St. Bernard is currently $187,335, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,681 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Bernard is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.