Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, OH (2024 Update)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $18,184
- 25-Year Savings: $18,174
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
We break down average solar pricing in Orange.
The average cost of a solar system in Orange is 3 per watt.The average Orange homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,184 with the federal tax credit, or $26,003 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Orange based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Orange homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,914 |
| 3 years | $-14,376 |
| 5 years | $-11,837 |
| 7 years | $-9,298 |
| 9 years | $-6,759 |
| 11 years | $-4,221 |
| 13 years | $-1,682 |
| 15 years | $857 |
| 17 years | $3,396 |
| 19 years | $5,935 |
| 21 years | $8,473 |
| 23 years | $11,012 |
| 25 years | $13,551 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
While the average cost of a solar system in Orange is $18,184, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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 model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orange to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Orange know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $10,171 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,944 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $17,907 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $22,061 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $26,407 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $30,943 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $35,670 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $40,588 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Orange, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange?
The average cost of solar panels in Orange 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orange?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Orange. 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Orange?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.