Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fremont, OH (2024 Update)

  • Fremont Solar Installation Cost: $17,987
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,049
  • Payback Period: 16.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fremont

We go over average solar pricing in Fremont.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fremont it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fremont, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,987, or $25,721 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fremont can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fremont

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,767
3 years $-14,326
5 years $-11,886
7 years $-9,445
9 years $-7,005
11 years $-4,564
13 years $-2,124
15 years $317
17 years $2,757
19 years $5,197
21 years $7,638
23 years $10,078
25 years $12,519

Top Solar Installers in Fremont

Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Fremont

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fremont

For many Fremont homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fremont, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Fremont, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Fremont have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $7,044 17.0 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $9,773 16.6 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $12,694 16.3 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $15,806 16.0 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $19,109 15.7 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $22,602 15.3 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $26,287 15.0 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $30,162 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:

  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Fremont, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fremont?

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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Fremont?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Fremont. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Fremont have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.

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