Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Union, OH (2023 Update)
- West Union Solar Installation Cost: $13,230
- 25-Year Savings: $27,644
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Union
We go over average solar pricing in West Union.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Union it's 2.56 per watt. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Union, the average price of going solar will be about $13,225 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in West Union depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Union can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in West Union, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,094 |
| 3 years | $-12,822 |
| 5 years | $-12,549 |
| 7 years | $-12,277 |
| 9 years | $-12,004 |
| 11 years | $-11,732 |
| 13 years | $-11,459 |
| 15 years | $-11,187 |
| 17 years | $-10,914 |
| 19 years | $-10,642 |
| 21 years | $-10,369 |
| 23 years | $-10,097 |
| 25 years | $-9,824 |
Top Solar Installers in West Union
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in West Union, 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
See all of the solar companies in West Union
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Union
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in West Union: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Union average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Union provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in West Union, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger 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 | $22,035 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $29,667 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $37,442 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $45,360 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $53,422 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $61,627 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $69,976 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $78,468 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's West Union, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Union?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Union?
Solar panels aren't free in West Union, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.