Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willoughby, OH (2023 Update)
- Willoughby 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 Willoughby
See how much it might cost to go solar in Willoughby.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Willoughby, the average cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $13,978 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Willoughby for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Willoughby
| 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 Willoughby
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Willoughby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willoughby
While the average cost of a solar system in Willoughby is $13,978, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Willoughby, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Willoughby to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When estimating 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
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Willoughby is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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
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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 previous 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 Willoughby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willoughby?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
Is it worth going solar in Willoughby?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.