Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitewater, OH (2024 Update)
- Whitewater Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
- 25-Year Savings: $12,797
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitewater
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Whitewater.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Whitewater typically cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Whitewater, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,636, or $25,219 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Whitewater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,471 |
| 3 years | $-14,141 |
| 5 years | $-11,811 |
| 7 years | $-9,481 |
| 9 years | $-7,151 |
| 11 years | $-4,821 |
| 13 years | $-2,491 |
| 15 years | $-161 |
| 17 years | $2,169 |
| 19 years | $4,499 |
| 21 years | $6,828 |
| 23 years | $9,158 |
| 25 years | $11,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitewater
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Whitewater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitewater
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Whitewater: 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 size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,410. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Whitewater average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Whitewater to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Whitewater’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Whitewater are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $6,249 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,714 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,370 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,217 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,255 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,484 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,904 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $27,515 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Whitewater, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitewater?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitewater 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key 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 be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $704.81 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Whitewater?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.