Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Clairsville, OH (2023 Update)

  • St. Clairsville Solar Installation Cost: $13,853
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,413
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Clairsville

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in St. Clairsville.

The average cost of solar panels in St. Clairsville is 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in St. Clairsville, the average price of going solar will be about $13,852 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in St. Clairsville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,752
3 years $-13,551
5 years $-13,349
7 years $-13,147
9 years $-12,945
11 years $-12,744
13 years $-12,542
15 years $-12,340
17 years $-12,138
19 years $-11,936
21 years $-11,735
23 years $-11,533
25 years $-11,331

Top Solar Installers in St. Clairsville

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in St. Clairsville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Clairsville

Although the average cost of a solar system in St. Clairsville is $13,852, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,560. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in St. Clairsville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in St. Clairsville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in St. Clairsville know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $12,308 11.9 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $16,697 11.7 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $21,230 11.4 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $25,906 11.2 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $30,726 11.0 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $35,689 10.8 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $40,795 10.5 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $46,044 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's St. Clairsville, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Clairsville?

The average cost of solar panels in St. Clairsville 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Clairsville?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

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. Clairsville is currently $165,600, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,790 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Clairsville is a fruitful investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.

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