Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willoughby, OH (2025 Update)
- Willoughby Solar Installation Cost: $18,626
- 25-Year Savings: $13,397
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willoughby
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Willoughby.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Willoughby is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,626 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Willoughby homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Willoughby, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willoughby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,372 |
| 3 years | $-14,865 |
| 5 years | $-12,357 |
| 7 years | $-9,849 |
| 9 years | $-7,342 |
| 11 years | $-4,834 |
| 13 years | $-2,327 |
| 15 years | $181 |
| 17 years | $2,689 |
| 19 years | $5,196 |
| 21 years | $7,704 |
| 23 years | $10,211 |
| 25 years | $12,719 |
Top Solar Installers in Willoughby
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Willoughby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willoughby
The cost of installing a solar system in Willoughby can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 nearly $3,410. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Willoughby, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Willoughby, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $6,158 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,593 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,218 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,035 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,042 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,240 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,630 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $27,210 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
EcoWatch's Willoughby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Willoughby?
The average cost of solar panels in Willoughby is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors 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 in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Willoughby is currently $214,584, so you can expect a value of about $8,798 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Willoughby is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Willoughby?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.