Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plain City, OH (2024 Update)
- Plain City Solar Installation Cost: $17,959
- 25-Year Savings: $13,947
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plain City
We break down average solar pricing in Plain City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Plain City is 3 per watt.The average Plain City homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,959 with the federal tax credit, or $25,681 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Plain City depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Plain City homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Plain City for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Plain City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,941 |
| 3 years | $-14,904 |
| 5 years | $-12,868 |
| 7 years | $-10,831 |
| 9 years | $-8,794 |
| 11 years | $-6,758 |
| 13 years | $-4,721 |
| 15 years | $-2,685 |
| 17 years | $-648 |
| 19 years | $1,389 |
| 21 years | $3,425 |
| 23 years | $5,462 |
| 25 years | $7,498 |
Top Solar Installers in Plain City
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Plain City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plain City
For many Plain City homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plain City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Plain City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $6,979 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,688 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,587 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $15,677 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $18,958 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,431 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,094 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $29,948 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Plain City, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plain City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Plain City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Plain City?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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.
How long do solar panels last in Plain City?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.