Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sheffield Lake, OH (2024 Update)

  • Sheffield Lake Solar Installation Cost: $16,893
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,226
  • Payback Period: 15.7 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 Sheffield Lake

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sheffield Lake.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sheffield Lake, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $16,893 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Sheffield Lake homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Sheffield Lake for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Sheffield Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,639
3 years $-13,132
5 years $-10,624
7 years $-8,117
9 years $-5,609
11 years $-3,101
13 years $-594
15 years $1,914
17 years $4,421
19 years $6,929
21 years $9,437
23 years $11,944
25 years $14,452

Top Solar Installers in Sheffield Lake

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Sheffield Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sheffield Lake

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sheffield Lake is $16,893, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Sheffield Lake, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sheffield Lake, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Sheffield Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $7,918 16.3 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $10,939 16.0 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $14,151 15.7 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $17,555 15.4 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $21,149 15.1 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $24,934 14.8 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $28,910 14.4 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $33,077 14.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Sheffield Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.

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 Sheffield Lake, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sheffield Lake?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Sheffield Lake?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Sheffield Lake. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Sheffield Lake have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How long do solar panels last in Sheffield Lake?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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