Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Clair, OH (2024 Update)
- St. Clair Solar Installation Cost: $18,691
- 25-Year Savings: $12,956
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Clair
We go over average solar pricing in St. Clair.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. Clair, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average St. Clair homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,691 with the federal tax credit, or $26,728 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of St. Clair homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in St. Clair for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in St. Clair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,471 |
| 3 years | $-15,031 |
| 5 years | $-12,590 |
| 7 years | $-10,150 |
| 9 years | $-7,709 |
| 11 years | $-5,269 |
| 13 years | $-2,828 |
| 15 years | $-388 |
| 17 years | $2,053 |
| 19 years | $4,493 |
| 21 years | $6,933 |
| 23 years | $9,374 |
| 25 years | $11,814 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Clair
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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. Clair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Clair
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in St. Clair: 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
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,410 per kilowatt in St. Clair.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. St. Clair’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 due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $5,784 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,094 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,595 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $13,287 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $16,170 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $19,244 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $22,509 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $25,965 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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. Clair, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Clair?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. 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. Clair?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in St. Clair?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 account for 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.