Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Sandusky, OH (2023 Update)

  • Upper Sandusky Solar Installation Cost: $13,763
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,713
  • Payback Period: 10.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Sandusky

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Upper Sandusky.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Upper Sandusky generally cost about 2.56. The average Upper Sandusky homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,763 with the federal tax credit, or $19,681 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Upper Sandusky based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Upper Sandusky, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Upper Sandusky

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,464
3 years $-9,866
5 years $-7,268
7 years $-4,669
9 years $-2,071
11 years $527
13 years $3,125
15 years $5,723
17 years $8,321
19 years $10,919
21 years $13,517
23 years $16,115
25 years $18,713

Top Solar Installers in Upper Sandusky

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Upper Sandusky

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Sandusky

The cost of installing a solar system in Upper Sandusky can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Upper Sandusky, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Upper Sandusky to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Upper Sandusky is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Upper Sandusky are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 $14,192 11.0 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $19,209 10.8 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $24,370 10.6 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $29,674 10.4 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $35,122 10.2 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $40,712 10.0 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $46,446 9.7 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $52,324 9.5 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 decide on 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 good reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Upper Sandusky, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Sandusky?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Upper Sandusky?

Solar panels aren't free in Upper Sandusky, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Upper Sandusky?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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.

Follow us