Solar Panel Cost Guide in Toledo, OH (Mar 2023)
- Toledo Solar Installation Cost: $13,709
- 25-Year Savings: $14,422
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Toledo
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Toledo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Toledo it's 2.56 per watt. The average Toledo homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,709 with the federal tax credit, or $19,604 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Toledo depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Toledo can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Toledo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,584 |
| 3 years | $-10,333 |
| 5 years | $-8,083 |
| 7 years | $-5,832 |
| 9 years | $-3,582 |
| 11 years | $-1,331 |
| 13 years | $919 |
| 15 years | $3,170 |
| 17 years | $5,420 |
| 19 years | $7,671 |
| 21 years | $9,921 |
| 23 years | $12,172 |
| 25 years | $14,422 |
Top Solar Installers in Toledo
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Toledo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Toledo
For many Toledo homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Toledo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 about $2,560. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 Toledo have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Toledo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Toledo know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,871 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,782 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,836 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,033 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,373 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,857 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,485 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,255 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Toledo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Toledo, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Toledo?
The average cost of solar panels in Toledo is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Toledo?
Solar panels aren't free in Toledo, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Toledo?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Toledo?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.