Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilliard, OH (Mar 2023)
- Hilliard Solar Installation Cost: $13,530
- 25-Year Savings: $17,122
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilliard
We break down average solar pricing in Hilliard.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hilliard typically cost about 2.56. The average Hilliard homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,530 with the federal tax credit, or $19,348 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Hilliard homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Hilliard for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hilliard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,304 |
| 3 years | $-9,851 |
| 5 years | $-7,399 |
| 7 years | $-4,947 |
| 9 years | $-2,495 |
| 11 years | $-43 |
| 13 years | $2,409 |
| 15 years | $4,862 |
| 17 years | $7,314 |
| 19 years | $9,766 |
| 21 years | $12,218 |
| 23 years | $14,670 |
| 25 years | $17,122 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilliard
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hilliard, the EcoWatch team has 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 (coming 2022)
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 Hilliard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilliard
For many Hilliard homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hilliard, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Hilliard homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hilliard homeowners, they can also raise 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
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Hilliard, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 installer you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Hilliard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hilliard?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hilliard?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hilliard. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Hilliard?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Hilliard?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.