Solar Panel Cost Guide in Youngstown, OH (2024 Update)
- Youngstown Solar Installation Cost: $18,749
- 25-Year Savings: $12,362
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Youngstown
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Youngstown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Youngstown typically cost about 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Youngstown, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,749, or $26,811 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Youngstown homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Youngstown find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Youngstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,528 |
| 3 years | $-15,088 |
| 5 years | $-12,647 |
| 7 years | $-10,207 |
| 9 years | $-7,766 |
| 11 years | $-5,326 |
| 13 years | $-2,886 |
| 15 years | $-445 |
| 17 years | $1,995 |
| 19 years | $4,436 |
| 21 years | $6,876 |
| 23 years | $9,317 |
| 25 years | $11,757 |
Top Solar Installers in Youngstown
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Youngstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Youngstown
Although the average cost of a solar system in Youngstown is $18,749, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Youngstown to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to add 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 how long 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 Youngstown is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 | $5,300 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,449 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,789 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,320 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,041 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $17,954 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,057 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,352 | 16.0 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:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Youngstown, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Youngstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Youngstown is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Youngstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Youngstown?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 account for 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.