Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, OH (2024 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $17,906
- 25-Year Savings: $30,741
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Athens.
The average cost of a solar system in Athens is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Athens, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,906, or $25,606 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Athens can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,182 |
| 3 years | $-12,736 |
| 5 years | $-9,289 |
| 7 years | $-5,842 |
| 9 years | $-2,395 |
| 11 years | $1,052 |
| 13 years | $4,499 |
| 15 years | $7,945 |
| 17 years | $11,392 |
| 19 years | $14,839 |
| 21 years | $18,286 |
| 23 years | $21,733 |
| 25 years | $25,179 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Athens, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
The cost of installing a solar system in Athens can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,410.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Athens average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $20,445 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $27,642 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $35,030 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $42,609 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $50,379 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $58,340 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $66,492 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $74,835 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Athens, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
The average cost of solar panels in Athens 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.