Solar Panel Cost Guide in Youngstown, OH (2023 Update)
- Youngstown Solar Installation Cost: $14,075
- 25-Year Savings: $12,362
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Youngstown
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Youngstown.
The average cost of a solar system in Youngstown is 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Youngstown, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,067, or $20,116 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Youngstown homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Youngstown homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Youngstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,987 |
| 3 years | $-13,811 |
| 5 years | $-13,635 |
| 7 years | $-13,458 |
| 9 years | $-13,282 |
| 11 years | $-13,106 |
| 13 years | $-12,930 |
| 15 years | $-12,753 |
| 17 years | $-12,577 |
| 19 years | $-12,401 |
| 21 years | $-12,225 |
| 23 years | $-12,048 |
| 25 years | $-11,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Youngstown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Youngstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Youngstown
Though the average cost of a solar system in Youngstown is $14,067, 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Youngstown. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Youngstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Youngstown is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Some companies 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $9,013 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,304 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $15,739 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,317 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,038 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $26,903 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $30,910 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $35,062 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Youngstown, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Youngstown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want other 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 want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Youngstown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Youngstown. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Youngstown is currently $88,849, which means you can look forward to a value of about $3,643 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Youngstown is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Youngstown?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.