Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plain, OH (2024 Update)
- Plain Solar Installation Cost: $18,563
- 25-Year Savings: $13,564
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plain
We break down average solar pricing in Plain.
In Plain, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Plain, the average price of going solar will be about $18,563 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Plain depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Plain see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,287 |
| 3 years | $-14,735 |
| 5 years | $-12,183 |
| 7 years | $-9,630 |
| 9 years | $-7,078 |
| 11 years | $-4,526 |
| 13 years | $-1,974 |
| 15 years | $579 |
| 17 years | $3,131 |
| 19 years | $5,683 |
| 21 years | $8,235 |
| 23 years | $10,788 |
| 25 years | $13,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Plain
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Plain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plain
While the average cost of a solar system in Plain is $18,563, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Plain.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Plain average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Plain have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $6,322 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,811 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,491 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,362 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,424 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,677 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $24,121 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $27,756 | 15.2 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Plain, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plain?
The average cost of solar panels in Plain 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Plain?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Plain?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.