Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stow, OH (2024 Update)
- Stow Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $14,461
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stow
We break down average solar pricing in Stow.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stow, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,650 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Stow depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stow find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Stow, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stow
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,430 |
| 3 years | $-14,989 |
| 5 years | $-12,549 |
| 7 years | $-10,108 |
| 9 years | $-7,668 |
| 11 years | $-5,227 |
| 13 years | $-2,787 |
| 15 years | $-346 |
| 17 years | $2,094 |
| 19 years | $4,535 |
| 21 years | $6,975 |
| 23 years | $9,416 |
| 25 years | $11,856 |
Top Solar Installers in Stow
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Stow:
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 Stow
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stow
There are several factors that can determine your 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Stow, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Stow homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Stow is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $6,962 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,665 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,559 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $15,643 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $18,919 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,386 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,043 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $29,892 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Stow, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Stow, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stow?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Stow?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Stow. 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’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Stow have a net metering program?
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 energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Stow?
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 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.