Solar Panel Cost Guide in The Plains, OH (2023 Update)
- The Plains Solar Installation Cost: $13,440
- 25-Year Savings: $30,744
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in The Plains
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in The Plains.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in The Plains typically cost around 2.56. The average The Plains homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,440 with the federal tax credit, or $19,219 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in The Plains based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in The Plains that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in The Plains
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,673 |
| 3 years | $-8,138 |
| 5 years | $-4,603 |
| 7 years | $-1,068 |
| 9 years | $2,466 |
| 11 years | $6,001 |
| 13 years | $9,536 |
| 15 years | $13,070 |
| 17 years | $16,605 |
| 19 years | $20,140 |
| 21 years | $23,675 |
| 23 years | $27,209 |
| 25 years | $30,744 |
Top Solar Installers in The Plains
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 The Plains
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in The Plains
Even though the average cost of a solar system in The Plains is $13,440, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like The Plains, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower 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 loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in The Plains, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $24,158 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $32,498 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $40,980 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $49,607 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $58,376 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $67,289 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $76,345 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $85,545 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in The Plains, 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:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 The Plains, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in The Plains?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in The Plains?
You can't get solar panels for free in The Plains. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is it worth going solar in The Plains?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.