Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westlake, OH (2024 Update)

  • Westlake Solar Installation Cost: $18,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,264
  • Payback Period: 17.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westlake

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Westlake.

In Westlake, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Westlake homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,803 with the federal tax credit, or $26,888 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Westlake based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Westlake homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Westlake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,549
3 years $-15,041
5 years $-12,534
7 years $-10,026
9 years $-7,518
11 years $-5,011
13 years $-2,503
15 years $4
17 years $2,512
19 years $5,020
21 years $7,527
23 years $10,035
25 years $12,542

Top Solar Installers in Westlake

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Westlake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westlake

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Westlake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use 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.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 $3.55 $14,895 $5,960 17.9 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $8,329 17.5 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $10,889 17.2 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $13,639 16.8 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $16,581 16.5 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $19,713 16.1 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $23,037 15.8 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $26,551 15.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Westlake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • 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 considerable role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Westlake, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westlake?

The average cost of solar panels in Westlake is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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.

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