Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willoughby Hills, OH (2024 Update)
- Willoughby Hills 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 Hills
We break down average solar pricing in Willoughby Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Willoughby Hills, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Willoughby Hills, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,626, or $26,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Willoughby Hills find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willoughby Hills
| 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 Hills
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Willoughby Hills:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Willoughby Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willoughby Hills
There are a number of criteria 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Willoughby Hills, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Willoughby Hills, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Willoughby Hills homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Willoughby Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Willoughby Hills, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Willoughby Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Willoughby Hills is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Willoughby Hills?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Willoughby Hills. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Willoughby Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Willoughby Hills?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.