Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richmond Heights, OH (2024 Update)
- Richmond Heights Solar Installation Cost: $18,803
- 25-Year Savings: $13,264
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richmond Heights
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Richmond Heights.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Richmond Heights is 3 per watt.Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Richmond Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $18,803 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Richmond Heights for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Richmond Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,549 |
| 3 years | $-15,041 |
| 5 years | $-12,534 |
| 7 years | $-10,026 |
| 9 years | $-7,518 |
| 11 years | $-5,011 |
| 13 years | $-2,503 |
| 15 years | $4 |
| 17 years | $2,512 |
| 19 years | $5,020 |
| 21 years | $7,527 |
| 23 years | $10,035 |
| 25 years | $12,542 |
Top Solar Installers in Richmond Heights
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Richmond Heights:
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 Richmond Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richmond Heights
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Richmond Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Richmond Heights, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Richmond Heights is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,960 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,329 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,889 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $13,639 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $16,581 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $19,713 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,037 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $26,551 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Richmond Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richmond Heights?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Richmond Heights is currently $216,760, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,887 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Richmond Heights is a worthwhile investment.
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 the amount of 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 buy 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.