Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Shawnee, OH (2024 Update)
- Fort Shawnee Solar Installation Cost: $18,154
- 25-Year Savings: $17,041
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Shawnee
See how much it might cost to go solar in Fort Shawnee.
In Fort Shawnee, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Fort Shawnee homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,154 with the federal tax credit, or $25,960 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fort Shawnee that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Shawnee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,822 |
| 3 years | $-14,158 |
| 5 years | $-11,494 |
| 7 years | $-8,830 |
| 9 years | $-6,166 |
| 11 years | $-3,501 |
| 13 years | $-837 |
| 15 years | $1,827 |
| 17 years | $4,491 |
| 19 years | $7,155 |
| 21 years | $9,819 |
| 23 years | $12,483 |
| 25 years | $15,147 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Shawnee
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Fort Shawnee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Shawnee
Though the average cost of a solar system in Fort Shawnee is $18,154, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,410 per kilowatt in Fort Shawnee.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fort Shawnee, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fort Shawnee, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,301 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,784 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,457 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,321 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $24,377 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $28,623 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $33,060 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $37,688 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Fort Shawnee, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Shawnee?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Shawnee 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Shawnee?
Solar panels aren’t free in Fort Shawnee, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Fort Shawnee?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.