Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley, OH (2024 Update)

  • Valley Solar Installation Cost: $17,605
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,049
  • Payback Period: 14.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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 Valley

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Valley.

In Valley, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Valley, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,605, or $25,175 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Valley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Valley homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Valley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,273
3 years $-13,609
5 years $-10,945
7 years $-8,281
9 years $-5,617
11 years $-2,953
13 years $-289
15 years $2,375
17 years $5,039
19 years $7,703
21 years $10,367
23 years $13,031
25 years $15,695

Top Solar Installers in Valley

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Valley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley

For many Valley homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

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 important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Valley homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Valley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 $3.55 $14,895 $9,727 15.1 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $13,351 14.8 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $17,166 14.5 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $21,172 14.3 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $25,369 14.0 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $29,757 13.7 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $34,336 13.4 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $39,106 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.

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 Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Valley, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley?

The average cost of solar panels in Valley is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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