Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Clair, OH (2023 Update)
- St Clair Solar Installation Cost: $14,031
- 25-Year Savings: $12,957
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Clair
We go over average solar pricing in St Clair.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St Clair it's 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in St Clair, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,031, or $20,064 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in St Clair can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in St Clair for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in St Clair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,952 |
| 3 years | $-10,793 |
| 5 years | $-8,634 |
| 7 years | $-6,475 |
| 9 years | $-4,316 |
| 11 years | $-2,157 |
| 13 years | $2 |
| 15 years | $2,161 |
| 17 years | $4,320 |
| 19 years | $6,480 |
| 21 years | $8,639 |
| 23 years | $10,798 |
| 25 years | $12,957 |
Top Solar Installers in St Clair
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in St Clair: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many St Clair homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for St Clair homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in St Clair, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,497 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,950 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,545 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,284 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $24,167 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $28,193 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,362 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,675 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's St Clair, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St Clair?
The average cost of solar panels in St Clair is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity 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 should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.