Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Jefferson, OH (2024 Update)
- West Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $17,798
- 25-Year Savings: $14,996
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Jefferson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Jefferson.
The average cost of a solar system in West Jefferson is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Jefferson is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,798 for a solar installation, or $25,451 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,646 |
| 3 years | $-14,340 |
| 5 years | $-12,034 |
| 7 years | $-9,728 |
| 9 years | $-7,422 |
| 11 years | $-5,116 |
| 13 years | $-2,811 |
| 15 years | $-505 |
| 17 years | $1,801 |
| 19 years | $4,107 |
| 21 years | $6,413 |
| 23 years | $8,719 |
| 25 years | $11,024 |
Top Solar Installers in West Jefferson
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in West Jefferson, we've compiled 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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Jefferson
For many West Jefferson homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Jefferson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Jefferson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 West Jefferson to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Jefferson is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,923 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,947 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,161 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,566 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,162 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $24,949 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $28,926 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,095 | 14.1 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Jefferson, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Jefferson?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Jefferson, 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 contact 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 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.