Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Portsmouth, OH (2023 Update)
- West Portsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $13,217
- 25-Year Savings: $19,134
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Portsmouth
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Portsmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Portsmouth, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West Portsmouth, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,225, or $18,912 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average West Portsmouth homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in West Portsmouth that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Portsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,109 |
| 3 years | $-12,893 |
| 5 years | $-12,678 |
| 7 years | $-12,462 |
| 9 years | $-12,246 |
| 11 years | $-12,031 |
| 13 years | $-11,815 |
| 15 years | $-11,599 |
| 17 years | $-11,383 |
| 19 years | $-11,168 |
| 21 years | $-10,952 |
| 23 years | $-10,736 |
| 25 years | $-10,521 |
Top Solar Installers in West Portsmouth
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in West Portsmouth, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in West Portsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Portsmouth
The cost of installing a solar system in West Portsmouth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,560. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Portsmouth average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Portsmouth to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. West Portsmouth's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in West Portsmouth are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $15,136 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $20,468 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $25,943 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $31,562 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $37,324 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $43,229 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $49,278 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $55,470 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's West Portsmouth, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Portsmouth?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Portsmouth?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Portsmouth?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 long do solar panels last in West Portsmouth?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.