Solar Panel Cost Guide in Youngstown, OH (2025 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Youngstown it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Youngstown, the average price of going solar will be about $18,749 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Youngstown can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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
For many Youngstown homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Youngstown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Youngstown, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 Youngstown, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Youngstown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Youngstown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Youngstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Youngstown?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.