Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howard, OH (2024 Update)
- Howard Solar Installation Cost: $18,277
- 25-Year Savings: $17,693
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howard
We go over average solar pricing in Howard.
The average cost of a solar system in Howard is 3 per watt.The average Howard homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,277 with the federal tax credit, or $26,136 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Howard homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Howard homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
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 Howard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,019 |
| 3 years | $-14,504 |
| 5 years | $-11,989 |
| 7 years | $-9,474 |
| 9 years | $-6,959 |
| 11 years | $-4,444 |
| 13 years | $-1,929 |
| 15 years | $586 |
| 17 years | $3,101 |
| 19 years | $5,616 |
| 21 years | $8,131 |
| 23 years | $10,646 |
| 25 years | $13,161 |
Top Solar Installers in Howard
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Howard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howard
The cost of installing a solar system in Howard can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Howard, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Howard have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Howard, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $9,721 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,344 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,157 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $21,161 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $25,356 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $29,743 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $34,320 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $39,088 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Howard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Howard?
The average cost of solar panels in Howard 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 aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $820.54 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.