Solar Panel Cost Guide in Trenton, OH (2024 Update)
- Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $17,747
- 25-Year Savings: $14,248
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Trenton
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Trenton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Trenton typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,747 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Trenton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Trenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,582 |
| 3 years | $-14,252 |
| 5 years | $-11,922 |
| 7 years | $-9,592 |
| 9 years | $-7,262 |
| 11 years | $-4,932 |
| 13 years | $-2,602 |
| 15 years | $-272 |
| 17 years | $2,058 |
| 19 years | $4,388 |
| 21 years | $6,718 |
| 23 years | $9,048 |
| 25 years | $11,378 |
Top Solar Installers in Trenton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Trenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trenton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Trenton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some 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 bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Trenton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Trenton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Trenton 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Trenton is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Trenton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $7,355 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,188 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $13,213 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $16,428 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $19,835 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $23,432 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $27,221 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $31,200 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Trenton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Trenton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Trenton?
The average cost of solar panels in Trenton 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Trenton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.