Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, OH (2024 Update)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $17,915
- 25-Year Savings: $9,027
- Payback Period: 19.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Clay.
In Clay, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Clay is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,915 for a solar installation, or $25,618 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Clay depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $11,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clay find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| 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 Clay
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Clay, we've compiled 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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
Though the average cost of a solar system in Clay is $17,915, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Clay, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Clay average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Clay, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clay, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3,074 | 20.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $4,480 | 20.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $6,078 | 19.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $7,866 | 19.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $9,846 | 19.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $12,016 | 18.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $14,377 | 18.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $16,930 | 17.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over 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 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 its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may 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 Clay, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?
The average cost of solar panels in Clay 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clay?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $598.96 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.