Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westlake, OH (2023 Update)
- Westlake Solar Installation Cost: $14,121
- 25-Year Savings: $13,259
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westlake
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Westlake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westlake, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $14,121 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Westlake homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Westlake, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,026 |
| 3 years | $-10,835 |
| 5 years | $-8,645 |
| 7 years | $-6,455 |
| 9 years | $-4,264 |
| 11 years | $-2,074 |
| 13 years | $117 |
| 15 years | $2,307 |
| 17 years | $4,497 |
| 19 years | $6,688 |
| 21 years | $8,878 |
| 23 years | $11,069 |
| 25 years | $13,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Westlake
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Westlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westlake
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westlake, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 Westlake to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westlake is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,673 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,184 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,839 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $20,636 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $24,577 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $28,662 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $32,890 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $37,261 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Westlake, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westlake?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Westlake?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.