Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chillicothe, OH (2024 Update)
- Chillicothe Solar Installation Cost: $17,738
- 25-Year Savings: $25,347
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chillicothe
We go over average solar pricing in Chillicothe.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Chillicothe is 3 per watt.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Chillicothe, the average price of going solar will be about $17,738 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Chillicothe based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Chillicothe homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chillicothe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,015 |
| 3 years | $-12,568 |
| 5 years | $-9,121 |
| 7 years | $-5,675 |
| 9 years | $-2,228 |
| 11 years | $1,219 |
| 13 years | $4,666 |
| 15 years | $8,113 |
| 17 years | $11,560 |
| 19 years | $15,006 |
| 21 years | $18,453 |
| 23 years | $21,900 |
| 25 years | $25,347 |
Top Solar Installers in Chillicothe
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Chillicothe:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Chillicothe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chillicothe
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Chillicothe is $17,738, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $3,410. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chillicothe average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chillicothe offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Chillicothe homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chillicothe is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk 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 names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $16,917 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $22,939 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $29,151 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $35,554 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $42,147 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $48,932 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $55,908 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $63,075 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chillicothe, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chillicothe?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chillicothe?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chillicothe?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.