Solar Panel Cost Guide in Unity, OH (2024 Update)
- Unity Solar Installation Cost: $18,691
- 25-Year Savings: $12,405
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Unity
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Unity.
In Unity, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,691 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Unity homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Unity that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Unity
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-17,471 |
3 years | $-15,031 |
5 years | $-12,590 |
7 years | $-10,150 |
9 years | $-7,709 |
11 years | $-5,269 |
13 years | $-2,828 |
15 years | $-388 |
17 years | $2,053 |
19 years | $4,493 |
21 years | $6,933 |
23 years | $9,374 |
25 years | $11,814 |
Top Solar Installers in Unity
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Unity
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Unity
The cost of installing a solar system in Unity can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Unity.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Unity average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Unity homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Unity is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $5,362 | 18.4 years |
8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,532 | 18.0 years |
10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,892 | 17.7 years |
12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,443 | 17.3 years |
14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,185 | 17.0 years |
16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,119 | 16.6 years |
18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,243 | 16.3 years |
20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,558 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Unity, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Unity?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Unity have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 level 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.