Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Jefferson, OH (2024 Update)
- West Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $17,798
- 25-Year Savings: $14,996
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Jefferson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Jefferson.
The average cost of a solar system in West Jefferson is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Jefferson is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,798 for a solar installation, or $25,451 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average West Jefferson homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,646 |
| 3 years | $-14,340 |
| 5 years | $-12,034 |
| 7 years | $-9,728 |
| 9 years | $-7,422 |
| 11 years | $-5,116 |
| 13 years | $-2,811 |
| 15 years | $-505 |
| 17 years | $1,801 |
| 19 years | $4,107 |
| 21 years | $6,413 |
| 23 years | $8,719 |
| 25 years | $11,024 |
Top Solar Installers in West Jefferson
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in West Jefferson:
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 West Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Jefferson
The cost of installing a solar system in West Jefferson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. West Jefferson’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $7,923 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,947 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,161 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,566 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,162 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $24,949 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $28,926 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,095 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in West Jefferson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 West Jefferson, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Jefferson?
The average cost of solar panels in West Jefferson 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Jefferson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.