Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Carrollton, OH (2023 Update)
- West Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $13,458
- 25-Year Savings: $9,589
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Carrollton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Carrollton.
The average cost of a solar system in West Carrollton is 2.56 per watt. The average West Carrollton homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,458 with the federal tax credit, or $19,245 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 installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Carrollton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,536 |
| 3 years | $-10,692 |
| 5 years | $-8,848 |
| 7 years | $-7,005 |
| 9 years | $-5,161 |
| 11 years | $-3,317 |
| 13 years | $-1,473 |
| 15 years | $370 |
| 17 years | $2,214 |
| 19 years | $4,058 |
| 21 years | $5,902 |
| 23 years | $7,746 |
| 25 years | $9,589 |
Top Solar Installers in West Carrollton
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in West Carrollton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in West Carrollton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Carrollton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in West Carrollton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss 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 installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. 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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Carrollton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many West Carrollton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Carrollton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,243 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $9,944 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $12,788 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $15,776 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $18,907 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $22,182 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $25,599 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $29,160 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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 select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's West Carrollton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Carrollton?
The average cost of solar panels in West Carrollton 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in West Carrollton?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Carrollton. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property 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 West Carrollton is currently $134,380, so you could be looking at a value of about $5,510 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Carrollton is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.