Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, OH (2024 Update)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $18,379
- 25-Year Savings: $16,489
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Shelby.
In Shelby, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $18,379 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Shelby depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Shelby see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Shelby for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,158 |
| 3 years | $-14,718 |
| 5 years | $-12,277 |
| 7 years | $-9,837 |
| 9 years | $-7,397 |
| 11 years | $-4,956 |
| 13 years | $-2,516 |
| 15 years | $-75 |
| 17 years | $2,365 |
| 19 years | $4,806 |
| 21 years | $7,246 |
| 23 years | $9,687 |
| 25 years | $12,127 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
Cost is typically 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 Shelby: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,410. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Shelby, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much it costs. Shelby’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $8,706 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,990 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,465 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,131 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $22,988 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $27,035 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $31,274 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $35,704 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Shelby, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelby?
The average cost of solar panels in Shelby 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 stuff 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 in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Shelby?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
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 account for 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.