Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, OH (Mar 2023)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $13,225
- 25-Year Savings: $14,440
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sterling.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sterling it's 2.56 per watt. The average Sterling homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,225 with the federal tax credit, or $18,912 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Sterling depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Sterling homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,118 |
| 3 years | $-9,905 |
| 5 years | $-7,692 |
| 7 years | $-5,479 |
| 9 years | $-3,265 |
| 11 years | $-1,052 |
| 13 years | $1,161 |
| 15 years | $3,374 |
| 17 years | $5,587 |
| 19 years | $7,801 |
| 21 years | $10,014 |
| 23 years | $12,227 |
| 25 years | $14,440 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Sterling:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sterling homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Sterling, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sterling have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $11,304 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,359 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $19,557 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,899 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $28,384 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $33,012 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $37,784 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $42,699 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 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 $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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sterling?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sterling. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Sterling is currently $145,244, which means you can expect a value of about $5,955 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sterling is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.