Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willowick, OH (2024 Update)
- Willowick 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 Willowick
We go over average solar pricing in Willowick.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Willowick typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,626 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Willowick homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Willowick homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willowick
| 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 Willowick
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Willowick, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Willowick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willowick
The cost of installing a solar system in Willowick 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 household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Willowick is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Willowick, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willowick?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Willowick?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Willowick, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Willowick is currently $173,730, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,123 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Willowick is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.