Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northridge, OH (2024 Update)
- Northridge Solar Installation Cost: $17,780
- 25-Year Savings: $11,769
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northridge
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Northridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northridge it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,780 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northridge homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Northridge can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,661 |
| 3 years | $-14,422 |
| 5 years | $-12,184 |
| 7 years | $-9,945 |
| 9 years | $-7,707 |
| 11 years | $-5,468 |
| 13 years | $-3,230 |
| 15 years | $-991 |
| 17 years | $1,247 |
| 19 years | $3,486 |
| 21 years | $5,724 |
| 23 years | $7,963 |
| 25 years | $10,201 |
Top Solar Installers in Northridge
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Northridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northridge
While the average cost of a solar system in Northridge is $17,780, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Northridge, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Northridge average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Northridge, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Northridge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $5,337 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,498 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,850 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,392 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,126 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,051 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,166 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,473 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Northridge, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Northridge 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Northridge?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Northridge. However, you may still be able to install 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 Northridge have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Northridge?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.