Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, OH (2023 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $13,440
- 25-Year Savings: $30,744
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Athens.
The average cost of solar panels in Athens is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $13,440 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Athens homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,673 |
| 3 years | $-8,138 |
| 5 years | $-4,603 |
| 7 years | $-1,068 |
| 9 years | $2,466 |
| 11 years | $6,001 |
| 13 years | $9,536 |
| 15 years | $13,070 |
| 17 years | $16,605 |
| 19 years | $20,140 |
| 21 years | $23,675 |
| 23 years | $27,209 |
| 25 years | $30,744 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar company in Athens, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
For many Athens homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Athens, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,560 per kilowatt in Athens. 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Athens average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option 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. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Athens' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $24,158 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $32,498 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $40,980 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $49,607 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $58,376 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $67,289 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $76,345 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $85,545 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Athens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Athens?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Athens?
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.