Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blanchester, OH (2024 Update)
- Blanchester Solar Installation Cost: $17,717
- 25-Year Savings: $10,032
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blanchester
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Blanchester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Blanchester, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,717 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Blanchester 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.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Blanchester see about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blanchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,552 |
| 3 years | $-14,222 |
| 5 years | $-11,892 |
| 7 years | $-9,562 |
| 9 years | $-7,232 |
| 11 years | $-4,902 |
| 13 years | $-2,572 |
| 15 years | $-242 |
| 17 years | $2,088 |
| 19 years | $4,418 |
| 21 years | $6,748 |
| 23 years | $9,078 |
| 25 years | $11,408 |
Top Solar Installers in Blanchester
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Blanchester, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Blanchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blanchester
For many Blanchester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Blanchester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Blanchester.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Blanchester have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 | $3,966 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $5,671 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $7,566 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $9,652 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $11,929 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $14,396 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $17,055 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $19,905 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Blanchester, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Blanchester?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Blanchester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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."
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 usually 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.