Solar Panel Cost Guide in Steubenville, OH (2024 Update)
- Steubenville Solar Installation Cost: $18,548
- 25-Year Savings: $14,752
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steubenville
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Steubenville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Steubenville generally cost around 3.Because a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Steubenville, the average price of going solar will be about $18,548 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Steubenville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Steubenville homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Steubenville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,216 |
| 3 years | $-14,552 |
| 5 years | $-11,888 |
| 7 years | $-9,224 |
| 9 years | $-6,560 |
| 11 years | $-3,896 |
| 13 years | $-1,232 |
| 15 years | $1,432 |
| 17 years | $4,096 |
| 19 years | $6,760 |
| 21 years | $9,424 |
| 23 years | $12,088 |
| 25 years | $14,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Steubenville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Steubenville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Steubenville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Steubenville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Steubenville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Steubenville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Steubenville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Steubenville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,080 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,155 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,421 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,878 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,526 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $25,365 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $29,395 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,616 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over 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 part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Steubenville, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Steubenville?
The average cost of solar panels in Steubenville 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Steubenville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Steubenville, 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.
Does Steubenville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Steubenville?
Although 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 replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.