Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tiffin, OH (2024 Update)
- Tiffin Solar Installation Cost: $17,776
- 25-Year Savings: $16,458
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tiffin
We go over average solar pricing in Tiffin.
In Tiffin, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Tiffin is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,776 for a solar installation, or $25,420 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Tiffin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Tiffin homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tiffin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,444 |
| 3 years | $-13,780 |
| 5 years | $-11,116 |
| 7 years | $-8,452 |
| 9 years | $-5,788 |
| 11 years | $-3,124 |
| 13 years | $-460 |
| 15 years | $2,204 |
| 17 years | $4,868 |
| 19 years | $7,532 |
| 21 years | $10,196 |
| 23 years | $12,860 |
| 25 years | $15,524 |
Top Solar Installers in Tiffin
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Tiffin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tiffin
While the average cost of a solar system in Tiffin is $17,776, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Tiffin, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Tiffin, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tiffin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,117 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,538 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,150 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $19,953 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $23,947 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $28,131 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $32,507 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $37,074 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Tiffin, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tiffin?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Tiffin?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.