Solar Panel Cost Guide in Upper Sandusky, OH (2024 Update)
- Upper Sandusky Solar Installation Cost: $18,330
- 25-Year Savings: $18,714
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Upper Sandusky
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Upper Sandusky.
In Upper Sandusky, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Upper Sandusky, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,330, or $26,212 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Upper Sandusky homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Upper Sandusky
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,998 |
| 3 years | $-14,334 |
| 5 years | $-11,670 |
| 7 years | $-9,006 |
| 9 years | $-6,342 |
| 11 years | $-3,678 |
| 13 years | $-1,014 |
| 15 years | $1,650 |
| 17 years | $4,314 |
| 19 years | $6,978 |
| 21 years | $9,642 |
| 23 years | $12,306 |
| 25 years | $14,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Upper Sandusky
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Upper Sandusky, we've 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 Upper Sandusky
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Upper Sandusky
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Upper Sandusky: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,410 per kilowatt in Upper Sandusky.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Upper Sandusky homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Upper Sandusky, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,479 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $14,354 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $18,420 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $22,677 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $27,125 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $31,764 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $36,593 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $41,614 | 12.7 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing 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 Sandusky, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Upper Sandusky?
The average cost of solar panels in Upper Sandusky is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Upper Sandusky?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 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 savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Upper Sandusky is currently $166,474, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,825 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Upper Sandusky is a fruitful investment.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.