Solar Panel Cost Guide in Butler, OH (2024 Update)
- Butler Solar Installation Cost: $17,915
- 25-Year Savings: $15,456
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Butler
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Butler.
In Butler, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Butler, the average price of going solar will be about $17,915 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Butler homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Butler can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Butler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,897 |
| 3 years | $-14,860 |
| 5 years | $-12,823 |
| 7 years | $-10,787 |
| 9 years | $-8,750 |
| 11 years | $-6,714 |
| 13 years | $-4,677 |
| 15 years | $-2,640 |
| 17 years | $-604 |
| 19 years | $1,433 |
| 21 years | $3,469 |
| 23 years | $5,506 |
| 25 years | $7,543 |
Top Solar Installers in Butler
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. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Butler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Butler
While the average cost of a solar system in Butler is $17,915, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,410. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Butler, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Butler to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Butler homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Butler, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,214 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,333 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,644 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $18,146 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,838 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $25,722 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $29,797 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $34,062 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Butler, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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.
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 Butler, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Butler?
The average cost of solar panels in Butler 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Butler, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Butler?
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.