Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thorn, OH (2023 Update)
- Thorn Solar Installation Cost: $13,476
- 25-Year Savings: $16,885
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thorn
We go over average solar pricing in Thorn.
In Thorn, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $13,476 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Thorn homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Thorn for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Thorn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,261 |
| 3 years | $-9,833 |
| 5 years | $-7,404 |
| 7 years | $-4,975 |
| 9 years | $-2,546 |
| 11 years | $-117 |
| 13 years | $2,312 |
| 15 years | $4,740 |
| 17 years | $7,169 |
| 19 years | $9,598 |
| 21 years | $12,027 |
| 23 years | $14,456 |
| 25 years | $16,885 |
Top Solar Installers in Thorn
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar company in Thorn, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Thorn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thorn
The cost of installing a solar system in Thorn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important 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 — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Thorn, 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 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 Thorn to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Thorn homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Thorn, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,027 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,656 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,428 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,344 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,403 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $37,605 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $42,951 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $48,440 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Thorn, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thorn?
The average cost of solar panels in Thorn 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $806.96 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy 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.