Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugar Creek, OH (Mar 2023)
- Sugar Creek Solar Installation Cost: $13,852
- 25-Year Savings: $14,637
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugar Creek
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sugar Creek.
The average cost of solar panels in Sugar Creek is 2.56 per watt. The average Sugar Creek homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,852 with the federal tax credit, or $19,808 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Sugar Creek based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Sugar Creek, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sugar Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,713 |
| 3 years | $-10,433 |
| 5 years | $-8,154 |
| 7 years | $-5,875 |
| 9 years | $-3,596 |
| 11 years | $-1,317 |
| 13 years | $962 |
| 15 years | $3,242 |
| 17 years | $5,521 |
| 19 years | $7,800 |
| 21 years | $10,079 |
| 23 years | $12,358 |
| 25 years | $14,637 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugar Creek
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sugar Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugar Creek
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sugar Creek, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sugar Creek to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sugar Creek homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Sugar Creek's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $10,925 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,854 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,925 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,141 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,499 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $32,001 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,646 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,435 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Sugar Creek, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Sugar Creek, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugar Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Sugar Creek is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sugar Creek?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Sugar Creek?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.