Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wooster, OH (2023 Update)
- Wooster Solar Installation Cost: $13,856
- 25-Year Savings: $16,689
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wooster
We go over average solar pricing in Wooster.
In Wooster, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Wooster is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,852 for a solar installation, or $19,808 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 factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wooster find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wooster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,754 |
| 3 years | $-13,550 |
| 5 years | $-13,347 |
| 7 years | $-13,143 |
| 9 years | $-12,940 |
| 11 years | $-12,736 |
| 13 years | $-12,532 |
| 15 years | $-12,329 |
| 17 years | $-12,125 |
| 19 years | $-11,921 |
| 21 years | $-11,718 |
| 23 years | $-11,514 |
| 25 years | $-11,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Wooster
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're looking for a solar company in Wooster, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Wooster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wooster
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Wooster. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wooster to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Even 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 and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wooster, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Wooster, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wooster?
The average cost of solar panels in Wooster is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Wooster have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.