Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, OH (Mar 2023)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $13,315
- 25-Year Savings: $14,256
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Trenton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Trenton it's 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Trenton, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,315, or $19,040 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Trenton can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Trenton for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,212 |
| 3 years | $-10,006 |
| 5 years | $-7,800 |
| 7 years | $-5,595 |
| 9 years | $-3,389 |
| 11 years | $-1,183 |
| 13 years | $1,022 |
| 15 years | $3,228 |
| 17 years | $5,434 |
| 19 years | $7,639 |
| 21 years | $9,845 |
| 23 years | $12,051 |
| 25 years | $14,256 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Trenton, 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 (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 Trenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trenton
The cost of installing a solar system in Trenton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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 going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Trenton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Trenton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $11,068 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,044 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $19,163 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,426 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,832 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $32,381 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $37,074 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,910 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type 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 offerings before deciding.
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 Trenton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Trenton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Trenton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Trenton have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Trenton?
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 larger 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.