Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, OH (2024 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $18,571
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,571 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 Chester homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Chester for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,317 |
| 3 years | $-14,810 |
| 5 years | $-12,302 |
| 7 years | $-9,794 |
| 9 years | $-7,287 |
| 11 years | $-4,779 |
| 13 years | $-2,272 |
| 15 years | $236 |
| 17 years | $2,744 |
| 19 years | $5,251 |
| 21 years | $7,759 |
| 23 years | $10,267 |
| 25 years | $12,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
Although the average cost of a solar system in Chester is $18,571, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chester 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 drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $6,220 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,676 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,322 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,160 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,188 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,407 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,817 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $27,418 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Chester, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Chester?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Chester?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.