Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie, OH (2024 Update)

  • Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $18,014
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,386
  • Payback Period: 15.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Prairie.

In Prairie, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Prairie homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,014 with the federal tax credit, or $25,760 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Prairie based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Prairie

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,790
3 years $-14,341
5 years $-11,892
7 years $-9,443
9 years $-6,994
11 years $-4,545
13 years $-2,096
15 years $353
17 years $2,802
19 years $5,251
21 years $7,700
23 years $10,149
25 years $12,598

Top Solar Installers in Prairie

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Prairie, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you're searching for a solar company in Prairie, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Prairie

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Prairie is $18,014, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels 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 with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Prairie to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Prairie, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 $8,885 15.7 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $12,228 15.4 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $15,763 15.1 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $19,488 14.8 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $23,405 14.5 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $27,512 14.2 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $31,810 13.9 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $36,300 13.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Prairie, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prairie?

The average cost of solar panels in Prairie is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key 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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Prairie, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.

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