Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stow, OH (2023 Update)
- Stow Solar Installation Cost: $13,996
- 25-Year Savings: $14,467
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stow
We go over average solar pricing in Stow.
In Stow, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Stow, the average price of going solar will be about $13,996 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Stow based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stow find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stow
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,857 |
| 3 years | $-10,580 |
| 5 years | $-8,303 |
| 7 years | $-6,026 |
| 9 years | $-3,749 |
| 11 years | $-1,472 |
| 13 years | $805 |
| 15 years | $3,082 |
| 17 years | $5,359 |
| 19 years | $7,636 |
| 21 years | $9,913 |
| 23 years | $12,190 |
| 25 years | $14,467 |
Top Solar Installers in Stow
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Stow
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stow
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Stow: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, 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 Stow to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,675 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,520 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,509 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $22,641 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $26,916 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,334 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $35,896 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $40,602 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Stow, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Stow, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stow?
The average cost of solar panels in Stow 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stow?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stow?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.