Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitewater, OH (Mar 2023)
- Whitewater Solar Installation Cost: $13,243
- 25-Year Savings: $12,794
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitewater
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Whitewater.
In Whitewater, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Whitewater, the average price of going solar will be about $13,243 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Whitewater see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitewater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,201 |
| 3 years | $-10,118 |
| 5 years | $-8,035 |
| 7 years | $-5,952 |
| 9 years | $-3,869 |
| 11 years | $-1,786 |
| 13 years | $296 |
| 15 years | $2,379 |
| 17 years | $4,462 |
| 19 years | $6,545 |
| 21 years | $8,628 |
| 23 years | $10,711 |
| 25 years | $12,794 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitewater
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Whitewater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitewater
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Whitewater: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Whitewater, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Whitewater have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Whitewater, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Whitewater have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $9,962 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,570 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $17,320 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $21,215 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $25,252 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $29,433 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $33,757 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $38,225 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Whitewater, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Whitewater?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitewater is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Whitewater?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Whitewater is currently $186,868, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,662 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Whitewater is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Whitewater?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.