Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westerville, OH (2024 Update)
- Westerville Solar Installation Cost: $18,098
- 25-Year Savings: $19,717
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westerville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Westerville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westerville it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $18,098 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westerville find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,859 |
| 3 years | $-14,382 |
| 5 years | $-11,904 |
| 7 years | $-9,426 |
| 9 years | $-6,948 |
| 11 years | $-4,470 |
| 13 years | $-1,992 |
| 15 years | $486 |
| 17 years | $2,964 |
| 19 years | $5,442 |
| 21 years | $7,920 |
| 23 years | $10,398 |
| 25 years | $12,876 |
Top Solar Installers in Westerville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Westerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westerville
The cost of installing a solar system in Westerville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Westerville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Westerville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Westerville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Westerville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $11,460 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,662 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $20,055 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $24,638 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $29,413 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $34,379 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $39,536 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $44,883 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Westerville, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Westerville is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westerville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.