Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eaton, OH (2024 Update)
- Eaton Solar Installation Cost: $17,768
- 25-Year Savings: $13,787
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eaton
We go over average solar pricing in Eaton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Eaton typically cost about 3.The average Eaton homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,768 with the federal tax credit, or $25,408 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Eaton homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Eaton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eaton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,750 |
| 3 years | $-14,713 |
| 5 years | $-12,677 |
| 7 years | $-10,640 |
| 9 years | $-8,604 |
| 11 years | $-6,567 |
| 13 years | $-4,530 |
| 15 years | $-2,494 |
| 17 years | $-457 |
| 19 years | $1,579 |
| 21 years | $3,616 |
| 23 years | $5,653 |
| 25 years | $7,689 |
Top Solar Installers in Eaton
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Eaton:
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 Eaton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eaton
The cost of installing a solar system in Eaton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Eaton.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Eaton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Eaton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Eaton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $6,970 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,675 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,572 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $15,659 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $18,937 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,406 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,066 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $29,917 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Eaton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eaton?
The average cost of solar panels in Eaton 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Eaton is currently $214,993, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,815 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Eaton is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.