Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Marys, OH (2024 Update)
- St. Marys Solar Installation Cost: $18,045
- 25-Year Savings: $15,874
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Marys
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Marys.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Marys is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $18,045 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Marys see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in St. Marys for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in St. Marys
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,027 |
| 3 years | $-14,990 |
| 5 years | $-12,954 |
| 7 years | $-10,917 |
| 9 years | $-8,880 |
| 11 years | $-6,844 |
| 13 years | $-4,807 |
| 15 years | $-2,771 |
| 17 years | $-734 |
| 19 years | $1,303 |
| 21 years | $3,339 |
| 23 years | $5,376 |
| 25 years | $7,412 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Marys
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in St. Marys
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Marys
For many St. Marys homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Marys, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,410.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Marys to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.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 final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in St. Marys, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in St. Marys have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $8,456 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,656 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,048 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $18,630 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $22,404 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $26,368 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $30,523 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $34,870 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Marys?
Solar panels aren’t free in St. Marys, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Marys?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.