Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, OH (2025 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.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,620 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sterling homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sterling, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Sterling.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sterling average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Sterling homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sterling is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 companies available in Sterling, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Sterling, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Sterling have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sterling?
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 level 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.