Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porter, OH (2024 Update)
- Porter Solar Installation Cost: $17,605
- 25-Year Savings: $18,092
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Porter
We break down average solar pricing in Porter.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Porter generally cost about 3.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Porter, the average price of going solar will be about $17,605 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Porter homeowner. The cost 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.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Porter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,273 |
| 3 years | $-13,609 |
| 5 years | $-10,945 |
| 7 years | $-8,281 |
| 9 years | $-5,617 |
| 11 years | $-2,953 |
| 13 years | $-289 |
| 15 years | $2,375 |
| 17 years | $5,039 |
| 19 years | $7,703 |
| 21 years | $10,367 |
| 23 years | $13,031 |
| 25 years | $15,695 |
Top Solar Installers in Porter
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Porter, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Porter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porter
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Porter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,410. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Porter homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Porter’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Porter have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $10,575 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $14,482 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $18,579 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $22,868 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $27,348 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $32,019 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $36,880 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $41,933 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Porter, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Porter?
The average cost of solar panels in Porter 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Porter?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much 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 consumption and how much 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 cover 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.