Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Arlington, OH (2023 Update)
- Upper Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $13,530
- 25-Year Savings: $19,853
- Payback Period: 10.1 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 Upper Arlington
We go over average solar pricing in Upper Arlington.
In Upper Arlington, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average Upper Arlington homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,530 with the federal tax credit, or $19,348 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Upper Arlington can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Upper Arlington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,194 |
| 3 years | $-9,524 |
| 5 years | $-6,853 |
| 7 years | $-4,182 |
| 9 years | $-1,512 |
| 11 years | $1,159 |
| 13 years | $3,829 |
| 15 years | $6,500 |
| 17 years | $9,171 |
| 19 years | $11,841 |
| 21 years | $14,512 |
| 23 years | $17,183 |
| 25 years | $19,853 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Arlington
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Upper Arlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Arlington
Although the average cost of a solar system in Upper Arlington is $13,530, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Upper Arlington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Upper Arlington's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 because they have access to more resources and bulk 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 discount 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $15,359 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $20,765 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $26,314 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $32,007 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $37,844 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $43,823 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $49,946 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $56,213 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Upper Arlington, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Arlington?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Upper Arlington?
You can't get solar panels for free in Upper Arlington. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upper Arlington?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.