Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Marys, OH (2023 Update)
- St Marys Solar Installation Cost: $13,548
- 25-Year Savings: $15,873
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Marys
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in St Marys.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St Marys it's 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,548 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in St Marys that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in St Marys
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,371 |
| 3 years | $-10,017 |
| 5 years | $-7,663 |
| 7 years | $-5,310 |
| 9 years | $-2,956 |
| 11 years | $-602 |
| 13 years | $1,751 |
| 15 years | $4,105 |
| 17 years | $6,459 |
| 19 years | $8,812 |
| 21 years | $11,166 |
| 23 years | $13,520 |
| 25 years | $15,873 |
Top Solar Installers in St Marys
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Marys
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Marys
While the average cost of a solar system in St Marys is $13,548, 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 keep in mind.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in St Marys. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the St Marys average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many St Marys homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in St Marys, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,169 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,512 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,998 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $25,627 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $30,401 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $35,317 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $40,377 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $45,580 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in St Marys, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Marys, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St Marys?
The average cost of solar panels in St Marys is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind 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 Marys?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does St Marys have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.