Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Marys, OH (2024 Update)

  • St. Marys Solar Installation Cost: $18,045
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,874
  • Payback Period: 15.3 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 St. Marys

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Marys.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Marys it’s 3 per watt.The average St. Marys homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,045 with the federal tax credit, or $25,804 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Marys find going solar has a decent ROI.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in St. Marys

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,027
3 years $-14,990
5 years $-12,954
7 years $-10,917
9 years $-8,880
11 years $-6,844
13 years $-4,807
15 years $-2,771
17 years $-734
19 years $1,303
21 years $3,339
23 years $5,376
25 years $7,412

Top Solar Installers in St. Marys

Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 St. Marys

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Marys

For many St. Marys homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Marys, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in St. Marys, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in St. Marys offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in St. Marys, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 $8,456 15.9 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $11,656 15.6 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $15,048 15.3 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $18,630 15.0 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $22,404 14.7 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $26,368 14.4 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $30,523 14.1 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $34,870 13.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 St. Marys, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Marys?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in St. Marys?

Solar panels aren’t free in St. Marys, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Marys?

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 St. Marys?

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 opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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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