Solar Panel Cost Guide in West, OH (Mar 2023)
- West Solar Installation Cost: $14,031
- 25-Year Savings: $14,779
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 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.
In West, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in West, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,031, or $20,064 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% 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 use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,879 |
| 3 years | $-10,574 |
| 5 years | $-8,269 |
| 7 years | $-5,965 |
| 9 years | $-3,660 |
| 11 years | $-1,355 |
| 13 years | $950 |
| 15 years | $3,255 |
| 17 years | $5,559 |
| 19 years | $7,864 |
| 21 years | $10,169 |
| 23 years | $12,474 |
| 25 years | $14,779 |
Top Solar Installers in West
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 West
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West
Cost is often 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 West: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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 equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in West, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 West, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 buy 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.