Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wooster, OH (2024 Update)
- Wooster Solar Installation Cost: $18,456
- 25-Year Savings: $16,689
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wooster
See how much it might cost to go solar in Wooster.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wooster, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Wooster is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,456 for a solar installation, or $26,392 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Wooster homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Wooster, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wooster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,236 |
| 3 years | $-14,796 |
| 5 years | $-12,355 |
| 7 years | $-9,915 |
| 9 years | $-7,474 |
| 11 years | $-5,034 |
| 13 years | $-2,593 |
| 15 years | $-153 |
| 17 years | $2,287 |
| 19 years | $4,728 |
| 21 years | $7,168 |
| 23 years | $9,609 |
| 25 years | $12,049 |
Top Solar Installers in Wooster
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer 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
For many Wooster homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wooster, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Wooster average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Wooster, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wooster homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Wooster, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $8,807 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,125 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,634 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,333 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $23,224 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $27,305 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $31,578 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $36,041 | 13.6 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wooster?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wooster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.