Solar Panel Cost Guide in West, OH (2023 Update)
- West Solar Installation Cost: $14,032
- 25-Year Savings: $14,778
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West.
The average cost of solar panels in West is 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West, the average price of going solar will be about $14,031 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,936 |
| 3 years | $-13,744 |
| 5 years | $-13,552 |
| 7 years | $-13,360 |
| 9 years | $-13,168 |
| 11 years | $-12,976 |
| 13 years | $-12,784 |
| 15 years | $-12,592 |
| 17 years | $-12,400 |
| 19 years | $-12,208 |
| 21 years | $-12,016 |
| 23 years | $-11,824 |
| 25 years | $-11,631 |
Top Solar Installers in West
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in West
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West
The cost of installing a solar system in West can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. West's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $10,893 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $14,811 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $18,872 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $23,076 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $27,424 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $31,915 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $36,550 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $41,328 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's West, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.