Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, OH (2024 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $17,620
- 25-Year Savings: $14,437
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sterling.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sterling it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sterling is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,620 for a solar installation, or $25,197 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sterling for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,455 |
| 3 years | $-14,125 |
| 5 years | $-11,795 |
| 7 years | $-9,466 |
| 9 years | $-7,136 |
| 11 years | $-4,806 |
| 13 years | $-2,476 |
| 15 years | $-146 |
| 17 years | $2,184 |
| 19 years | $4,514 |
| 21 years | $6,844 |
| 23 years | $9,174 |
| 25 years | $11,504 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Sterling:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sterling to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sterling 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Sterling is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $7,591 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,504 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $13,607 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,902 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $20,387 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $24,063 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $27,930 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $31,989 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Sterling, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sterling?
The average cost of solar panels in Sterling is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sterling?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sterling?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.