Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thorn, OH (2024 Update)
- Thorn Solar Installation Cost: $17,961
- 25-Year Savings: $16,877
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thorn
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Thorn.
In Thorn, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Thorn, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,961, or $25,684 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Thorn based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thorn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,629 |
| 3 years | $-13,965 |
| 5 years | $-11,301 |
| 7 years | $-8,637 |
| 9 years | $-5,973 |
| 11 years | $-3,309 |
| 13 years | $-645 |
| 15 years | $2,019 |
| 17 years | $4,683 |
| 19 years | $7,347 |
| 21 years | $10,011 |
| 23 years | $12,675 |
| 25 years | $15,339 |
Top Solar Installers in Thorn
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Thorn:
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 Thorn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thorn
Though the average cost of a solar system in Thorn is $17,961, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Thorn, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Thorn, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Thorn provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Thorn, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access 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 discount 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 | $9,314 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,801 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,478 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,347 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $24,406 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $28,657 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $33,098 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $37,730 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Thorn, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thorn?
This is a difficult 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 be more expensive if you want other 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.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Thorn is currently $262,035, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,743 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Thorn is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.