Solar Panel Cost Guide in Van Wert, OH (2024 Update)
- Van Wert Solar Installation Cost: $18,089
- 25-Year Savings: $17,839
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Van Wert
See how much it might cost to go solar in Van Wert.
In Van Wert, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $18,089 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Van Wert homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Van Wert
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,757 |
| 3 years | $-14,093 |
| 5 years | $-11,429 |
| 7 years | $-8,765 |
| 9 years | $-6,101 |
| 11 years | $-3,437 |
| 13 years | $-773 |
| 15 years | $1,891 |
| 17 years | $4,555 |
| 19 years | $7,219 |
| 21 years | $9,883 |
| 23 years | $12,547 |
| 25 years | $15,211 |
Top Solar Installers in Van Wert
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Van Wert
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Van Wert
For many Van Wert homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Van Wert, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly 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. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Van Wert, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Van Wert homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Van Wert homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Van Wert’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Van Wert are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,981 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,690 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,590 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $21,681 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $25,962 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $30,435 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $35,099 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $39,953 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Van Wert, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Van Wert?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.