Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, OH (2024 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $10,949
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Montgomery.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Montgomery it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Montgomery, the average price of going solar will be about $17,636 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Montgomery depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after 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 $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Montgomery, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,471 |
| 3 years | $-14,141 |
| 5 years | $-11,811 |
| 7 years | $-9,481 |
| 9 years | $-7,151 |
| 11 years | $-4,821 |
| 13 years | $-2,491 |
| 15 years | $-161 |
| 17 years | $2,169 |
| 19 years | $4,499 |
| 21 years | $6,828 |
| 23 years | $9,158 |
| 25 years | $11,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various 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 Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Montgomery is $17,636, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $3,410 per kilowatt in Montgomery.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Montgomery, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Montgomery, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Montgomery’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $4,748 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $6,713 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $8,868 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $11,215 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $13,752 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $16,481 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $19,400 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $22,511 | 16.4 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Montgomery, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montgomery?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Montgomery?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Montgomery have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.