Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cincinnati, IL (2025 Update)
- Cincinnati Solar Installation Cost: $16,749
- 25-Year Savings: $11,042
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cincinnati
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cincinnati.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cincinnati, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cincinnati, the average price of going solar will be about $16,749 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Cincinnati depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Cincinnati homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Cincinnati that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cincinnati
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,898 |
| 3 years | $-14,197 |
| 5 years | $-12,496 |
| 7 years | $-10,795 |
| 9 years | $-9,093 |
| 11 years | $-7,392 |
| 13 years | $-5,691 |
| 15 years | $-3,989 |
| 17 years | $-2,288 |
| 19 years | $-587 |
| 21 years | $1,115 |
| 23 years | $2,816 |
| 25 years | $4,517 |
Top Solar Installers in Cincinnati
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Cincinnati
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cincinnati
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cincinnati is $16,749, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 falls within your budget.
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 Cincinnati homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,453 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,692 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,142 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,802 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,673 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,754 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,045 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,548 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's Cincinnati, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cincinnati?
The average cost of solar panels in Cincinnati is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 Cincinnati?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy 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 $729.24 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.