Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesterland, OH (2024 Update)
- Chesterland Solar Installation Cost: $18,571
- 25-Year Savings: $13,438
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesterland
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chesterland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chesterland, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Chesterland, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,571, or $26,557 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chesterland
| 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 Chesterland
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Chesterland:
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
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 Chesterland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesterland
The cost of installing a solar system in Chesterland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $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 opt for 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chesterland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chesterland to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Chesterland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
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 Chesterland, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chesterland?
This is a hard 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chesterland is currently $339,830, so you can expect a value of about $13,933 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chesterland is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Chesterland?
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 replace them after having 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.