Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, OH (2024 Update)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $17,747
- 25-Year Savings: $14,248
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Trenton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Trenton, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Trenton, the average price of going solar will be about $17,747 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Trenton can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,582 |
| 3 years | $-14,252 |
| 5 years | $-11,922 |
| 7 years | $-9,592 |
| 9 years | $-7,262 |
| 11 years | $-4,932 |
| 13 years | $-2,602 |
| 15 years | $-272 |
| 17 years | $2,058 |
| 19 years | $4,388 |
| 21 years | $6,718 |
| 23 years | $9,048 |
| 25 years | $11,378 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Trenton:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,410. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Trenton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Trenton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Trenton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,355 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,188 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $13,213 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,428 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,835 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $23,432 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $27,221 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $31,200 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Trenton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Trenton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Trenton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Trenton is currently $244,375, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,019 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Trenton is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.