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 average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in St. Clair, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,691, or $26,728 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in St. Clair depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in St. Clair can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in St. Clair, you can click the button below.
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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in St. Clair:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in St. Clair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Clair
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Clair 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many St. Clair homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in St. Clair, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel 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 installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's St. Clair, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Clair?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient 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 expensive 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 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 switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.