Solar Panel Cost Guide in Suffield, OH (2024 Update)
- Suffield Solar Installation Cost: $18,596
- 25-Year Savings: $12,477
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Suffield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Suffield.
In Suffield, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Suffield homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,596 with the federal tax credit, or $26,592 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Suffield homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Suffield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,376 |
| 3 years | $-14,935 |
| 5 years | $-12,495 |
| 7 years | $-10,054 |
| 9 years | $-7,614 |
| 11 years | $-5,173 |
| 13 years | $-2,733 |
| 15 years | $-292 |
| 17 years | $2,148 |
| 19 years | $4,588 |
| 21 years | $7,029 |
| 23 years | $9,469 |
| 25 years | $11,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Suffield
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Suffield, we've 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 Suffield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Suffield
For many Suffield homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Suffield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Suffield offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Suffield, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $5,466 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,670 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,065 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,651 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,428 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,396 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,555 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,904 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Suffield, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Suffield?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Suffield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Suffield?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.