Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wellington, OH (2023 Update)

  • Wellington Solar Installation Cost: $12,682
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,062
  • Payback Period: 10.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Wellington

We break down average solar pricing in Wellington.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wellington, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. The average Wellington homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,687 with the federal tax credit, or $18,142 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wellington find going solar has a decent ROI.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wellington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,462
3 years $-9,022
5 years $-6,581
7 years $-4,141
9 years $-1,700
11 years $740
13 years $3,181
15 years $5,621
17 years $8,062
19 years $10,502
21 years $12,942
23 years $15,383
25 years $17,823

Top Solar Installers in Wellington

When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're looking for a solar company in Wellington, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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

ADT 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 Wellington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wellington

For many Wellington homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wellington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Wellington, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wellington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 Wellington to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wellington, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $15,731 10.4 years
8 kW $2.61 $14,623 $21,261 10.2 years
10 kW $2.56 $17,920 $26,934 10.0 years
12 kW $2.51 $21,074 $32,751 9.8 years
14 kW $2.46 $24,084 $38,712 9.6 years
16 kW $2.41 $26,952 $44,815 9.4 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,676 $51,062 9.2 years
20 kW $2.30 $32,256 $57,453 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

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

EcoWatch's Wellington, OH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Wellington?

A solar panel system isn't free in Wellington, 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.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Wellington?

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 their energy production 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.

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