Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandalia, OH (Mar 2023)
- Vandalia Solar Installation Cost: $13,458
- 25-Year Savings: $14,978
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandalia
We break down average solar pricing in Vandalia.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Vandalia is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $13,458 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Vandalia homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Vandalia can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Vandalia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vandalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,320 |
| 3 years | $-10,046 |
| 5 years | $-7,771 |
| 7 years | $-5,496 |
| 9 years | $-3,221 |
| 11 years | $-946 |
| 13 years | $1,329 |
| 15 years | $3,603 |
| 17 years | $5,878 |
| 19 years | $8,153 |
| 21 years | $10,428 |
| 23 years | $12,703 |
| 25 years | $14,978 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandalia
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Vandalia:
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 Vandalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandalia
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Vandalia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences 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. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Vandalia, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Vandalia have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $11,550 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,687 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $19,968 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $24,391 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $28,958 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $33,668 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $38,522 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $43,519 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Vandalia, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vandalia?
The average cost of solar panels in Vandalia is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Vandalia?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $757.75 per year.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.