Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wickliffe, OH (2023 Update)
- Wickliffe Solar Installation Cost: $13,978
- 25-Year Savings: $13,402
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wickliffe
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Wickliffe.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wickliffe it's 2.56 per watt. Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Wickliffe, the average price of going solar will be about $13,978 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Wickliffe homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Wickliffe for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wickliffe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,882 |
| 3 years | $-10,692 |
| 5 years | $-8,502 |
| 7 years | $-6,311 |
| 9 years | $-4,121 |
| 11 years | $-1,930 |
| 13 years | $260 |
| 15 years | $2,450 |
| 17 years | $4,641 |
| 19 years | $6,831 |
| 21 years | $9,022 |
| 23 years | $11,212 |
| 25 years | $13,402 |
Top Solar Installers in Wickliffe
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Wickliffe, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Wickliffe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wickliffe
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Wickliffe: 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 cost of a solar energy system in Wickliffe, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wickliffe to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Wickliffe, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to 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 names.
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 | $9,871 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $13,448 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $17,168 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $21,032 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $25,039 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $29,189 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $33,483 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $37,920 | 11.5 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 select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 previous customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Wickliffe, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wickliffe?
The average cost of solar panels in Wickliffe is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors 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 Wickliffe?
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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Wickliffe?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Wickliffe?
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 decide 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.