Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilliard, OH (2023 Update)
- Hilliard Solar Installation Cost: $13,524
- 25-Year Savings: $17,128
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilliard
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hilliard.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hilliard, the average cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hilliard is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,530 for a solar installation, or $19,348 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Hilliard depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hilliard can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hilliard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,301 |
| 3 years | $-9,855 |
| 5 years | $-7,408 |
| 7 years | $-4,962 |
| 9 years | $-2,516 |
| 11 years | $-70 |
| 13 years | $2,376 |
| 15 years | $4,822 |
| 17 years | $7,268 |
| 19 years | $9,714 |
| 21 years | $12,160 |
| 23 years | $14,607 |
| 25 years | $17,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilliard
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Hilliard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilliard
The cost of installing a solar system in Hilliard can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Hilliard, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hilliard, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hilliard homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,188 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,870 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,696 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,665 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,778 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $38,034 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $43,433 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $48,976 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Hilliard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hilliard?
The average cost of solar panels in Hilliard 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Hilliard?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.
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.