Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kent, OH (2024 Update)
- Kent Solar Installation Cost: $18,596
- 25-Year Savings: $12,477
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kent
We go over average solar pricing in Kent.
In Kent, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Kent is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,596 for a solar installation, or $26,592 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Kent based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Kent, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,376 |
| 3 years | $-14,935 |
| 5 years | $-12,495 |
| 7 years | $-10,054 |
| 9 years | $-7,614 |
| 11 years | $-5,173 |
| 13 years | $-2,733 |
| 15 years | $-292 |
| 17 years | $2,148 |
| 19 years | $4,588 |
| 21 years | $7,029 |
| 23 years | $9,469 |
| 25 years | $11,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Kent
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Kent, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Kent:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Kent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kent
The cost of installing a solar system in Kent can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Kent, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Kent homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Kent’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $5,466 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,670 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,065 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,651 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,428 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,396 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,555 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,904 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and 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.
- Contract: When looking through 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Kent, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kent?
The average cost of solar panels in Kent is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as 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 Kent?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Kent. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.