Solar Panel Cost Guide in Youngstown, OH (Mar 2023)
- Youngstown Solar Installation Cost: $14,067
- 25-Year Savings: $12,370
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Youngstown
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Youngstown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Youngstown, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. The average Youngstown homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,067 with the federal tax credit, or $20,116 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Youngstown homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Youngstown for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Youngstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,010 |
| 3 years | $-10,895 |
| 5 years | $-8,780 |
| 7 years | $-6,665 |
| 9 years | $-4,550 |
| 11 years | $-2,435 |
| 13 years | $-320 |
| 15 years | $1,795 |
| 17 years | $3,910 |
| 19 years | $6,025 |
| 21 years | $8,140 |
| 23 years | $10,255 |
| 25 years | $12,370 |
Top Solar Installers in Youngstown
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Youngstown, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Youngstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Youngstown
There are several criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
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 pay about $2,560 per kilowatt in Youngstown. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Youngstown to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Youngstown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Youngstown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Youngstown, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Youngstown?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Youngstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $673.18 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.