Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walbridge, OH (2023 Update)
- Walbridge Solar Installation Cost: $13,709
- 25-Year Savings: $14,422
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walbridge
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Walbridge.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Walbridge generally cost around 2.56. Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Walbridge, the average price of going solar will be about $13,709 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Walbridge homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,584 |
| 3 years | $-10,333 |
| 5 years | $-8,083 |
| 7 years | $-5,832 |
| 9 years | $-3,582 |
| 11 years | $-1,331 |
| 13 years | $919 |
| 15 years | $3,170 |
| 17 years | $5,420 |
| 19 years | $7,671 |
| 21 years | $9,921 |
| 23 years | $12,172 |
| 25 years | $14,422 |
Top Solar Installers in Walbridge
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Walbridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walbridge
For many Walbridge homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Walbridge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,560. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Walbridge, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Most solar companies in Walbridge have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Walbridge homeowners, they can also add to 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
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Walbridge, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,869 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,779 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,832 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,028 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,368 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,851 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,478 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,248 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Walbridge, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walbridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Walbridge 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Walbridge is currently $115,400, which means you could be looking at a value of about $4,731 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Walbridge is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.