Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wooster, OH (2023 Update)
- Wooster Solar Installation Cost: $13,852
- 25-Year Savings: $16,693
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wooster
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Wooster.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wooster typically cost about 2.56. The average Wooster homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,852 with the federal tax credit, or $19,808 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Wooster see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Wooster that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wooster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,630 |
| 3 years | $-10,187 |
| 5 years | $-7,743 |
| 7 years | $-5,300 |
| 9 years | $-2,856 |
| 11 years | $-412 |
| 13 years | $2,031 |
| 15 years | $4,475 |
| 17 years | $6,918 |
| 19 years | $9,362 |
| 21 years | $11,805 |
| 23 years | $14,249 |
| 25 years | $16,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Wooster
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer 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 (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 Wooster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wooster
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Wooster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wooster homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Wooster, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Wooster are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,520 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $16,980 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $21,584 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,330 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $31,221 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $36,254 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $41,431 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $46,751 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 (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 Wooster, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wooster?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wooster?
You can't get solar panels for free in Wooster. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.