Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willoughby Hills, OH (2024 Update)
- Willoughby Hills Solar Installation Cost: $18,626
- 25-Year Savings: $13,397
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willoughby Hills
We break down average solar pricing in Willoughby Hills.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Willoughby Hills it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Willoughby Hills is around 7.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,626 for a solar installation, or $26,635 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 energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Willoughby Hills can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Willoughby Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willoughby Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,372 |
| 3 years | $-14,865 |
| 5 years | $-12,357 |
| 7 years | $-9,849 |
| 9 years | $-7,342 |
| 11 years | $-4,834 |
| 13 years | $-2,327 |
| 15 years | $181 |
| 17 years | $2,689 |
| 19 years | $5,196 |
| 21 years | $7,704 |
| 23 years | $10,211 |
| 25 years | $12,719 |
Top Solar Installers in Willoughby Hills
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Willoughby Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willoughby Hills
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,410. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Willoughby Hills homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Willoughby Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $6,158 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $8,593 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $11,218 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $14,035 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $17,042 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $20,240 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $23,630 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $27,210 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Willoughby Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Willoughby Hills, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willoughby Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Willoughby Hills 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Willoughby Hills?
Solar panels aren’t free in Willoughby Hills, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Willoughby Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.