Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ottawa Hills, OH (2024 Update)
- Ottawa Hills Solar Installation Cost: $18,269
- 25-Year Savings: $14,416
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ottawa Hills
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ottawa Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ottawa Hills, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ottawa Hills, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,269, or $26,125 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Ottawa Hills based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ottawa Hills find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ottawa Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,972 |
| 3 years | $-14,377 |
| 5 years | $-11,782 |
| 7 years | $-9,188 |
| 9 years | $-6,593 |
| 11 years | $-3,999 |
| 13 years | $-1,404 |
| 15 years | $1,190 |
| 17 years | $3,785 |
| 19 years | $6,380 |
| 21 years | $8,974 |
| 23 years | $11,569 |
| 25 years | $14,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Ottawa Hills
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
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 Ottawa Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ottawa Hills
The cost of installing a solar system in Ottawa Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Ottawa Hills, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ottawa Hills, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ottawa Hills provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Ottawa Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Ottawa Hills have more knowledge 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 | $7,158 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,927 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,886 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,036 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,377 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,908 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,631 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $30,545 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Ottawa Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Ottawa Hills, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ottawa Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Ottawa Hills 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 things 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 Ottawa Hills?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ottawa Hills, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install 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.