Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chillicothe, OH (2023 Update)
- Chillicothe Solar Installation Cost: $13,315
- 25-Year Savings: $26,087
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chillicothe
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Chillicothe.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chillicothe it's 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Chillicothe, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,315, or $19,040 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chillicothe homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chillicothe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,739 |
| 3 years | $-8,586 |
| 5 years | $-5,434 |
| 7 years | $-2,282 |
| 9 years | $870 |
| 11 years | $4,022 |
| 13 years | $7,174 |
| 15 years | $10,326 |
| 17 years | $13,478 |
| 19 years | $16,630 |
| 21 years | $19,782 |
| 23 years | $22,935 |
| 25 years | $26,087 |
Top Solar Installers in Chillicothe
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Chillicothe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chillicothe
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Chillicothe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. 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 choose 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chillicothe average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Chillicothe, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Chillicothe homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Chillicothe, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $20,630 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $27,794 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $35,101 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $42,551 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $50,144 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $57,881 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $65,761 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $73,785 | 7.6 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 models 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 carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Chillicothe, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chillicothe?
The average cost of solar panels in Chillicothe is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 consideration 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.
Does Chillicothe have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production 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.