Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Arlington, OH (2024 Update)
- Upper Arlington Solar Installation Cost: $18,014
- 25-Year Savings: $19,859
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Arlington
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Upper Arlington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Upper Arlington, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Upper Arlington, the average price of going solar will be about $18,014 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Upper Arlington based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Arlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,785 |
| 3 years | $-14,328 |
| 5 years | $-11,870 |
| 7 years | $-9,413 |
| 9 years | $-6,956 |
| 11 years | $-4,498 |
| 13 years | $-2,041 |
| 15 years | $417 |
| 17 years | $2,874 |
| 19 years | $5,331 |
| 21 years | $7,789 |
| 23 years | $10,246 |
| 25 years | $12,704 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Arlington
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Upper Arlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Arlington
There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Upper Arlington, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Upper Arlington is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $11,646 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,910 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $20,364 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $25,010 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $29,847 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $34,874 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $40,093 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $45,503 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Upper Arlington, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Upper Arlington?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Arlington 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $884.69 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Upper Arlington?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.