Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willowick, OH (Mar 2023)
- Willowick Solar Installation Cost: $13,978
- 25-Year Savings: $13,402
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willowick
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Willowick.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Willowick, the average cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Willowick is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,978 for a solar installation, or $19,989 before the 30% federal solar tax credit 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 installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Willowick find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Willowick for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Willowick
| 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 Willowick
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Willowick:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Willowick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willowick
There are a number of factors that can play into 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
Solar 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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Willowick, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse 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 (coming 2022)
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 Willowick, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Willowick?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Willowick?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Willowick?
Even 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 opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.