Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, OH (2023 Update)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $13,323
- 25-Year Savings: $14,248
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Trenton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Trenton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,315 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Trenton find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,158 |
| 3 years | $-9,828 |
| 5 years | $-7,498 |
| 7 years | $-5,168 |
| 9 years | $-2,838 |
| 11 years | $-508 |
| 13 years | $1,821 |
| 15 years | $4,151 |
| 17 years | $6,481 |
| 19 years | $8,811 |
| 21 years | $11,141 |
| 23 years | $13,471 |
| 25 years | $15,801 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
For many Trenton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Trenton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Trenton, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Trenton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Trenton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $741.66 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.