Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitewater, OH (2024 Update)
- Whitewater Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $12,797
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitewater
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Whitewater.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whitewater it’s 3 per watt.The average Whitewater homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,636 with the federal tax credit, or $25,219 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Whitewater homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitewater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,471 |
| 3 years | $-14,141 |
| 5 years | $-11,811 |
| 7 years | $-9,481 |
| 9 years | $-7,151 |
| 11 years | $-4,821 |
| 13 years | $-2,491 |
| 15 years | $-161 |
| 17 years | $2,169 |
| 19 years | $4,499 |
| 21 years | $6,828 |
| 23 years | $9,158 |
| 25 years | $11,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitewater
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Whitewater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitewater
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,410. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Whitewater average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Whitewater offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Whitewater, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $6,249 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,714 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,370 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,217 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,255 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,484 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,904 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $27,515 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Whitewater, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitewater?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Whitewater, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.