Solar Panel Cost Guide in Suffield, OH (2024 Update)
- Suffield Solar Installation Cost: $18,596
- 25-Year Savings: $12,477
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Suffield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Suffield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Suffield, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Suffield homeowner needs a 7.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,596 with the federal tax credit, or $26,592 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Suffield can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Suffield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,376 |
| 3 years | $-14,935 |
| 5 years | $-12,495 |
| 7 years | $-10,054 |
| 9 years | $-7,614 |
| 11 years | $-5,173 |
| 13 years | $-2,733 |
| 15 years | $-292 |
| 17 years | $2,148 |
| 19 years | $4,588 |
| 21 years | $7,029 |
| 23 years | $9,469 |
| 25 years | $11,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Suffield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Suffield, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Suffield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Suffield
For many Suffield homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Suffield, 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Suffield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Suffield to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Suffield homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Suffield is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $5,466 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,670 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $10,065 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,651 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,428 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,396 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,555 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,904 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Suffield, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Suffield?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Suffield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 take a 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 get 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.