Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, OH (2023 Update)
- Hillsboro Solar Installation Cost: $13,284
- 25-Year Savings: $16,828
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hillsboro.
In Hillsboro, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Hillsboro is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,279 for a solar installation, or $18,989 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Hillsboro depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Hillsboro can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,266 |
| 3 years | $-10,229 |
| 5 years | $-8,192 |
| 7 years | $-6,156 |
| 9 years | $-4,119 |
| 11 years | $-2,083 |
| 13 years | $-46 |
| 15 years | $1,991 |
| 17 years | $4,027 |
| 19 years | $6,064 |
| 21 years | $8,100 |
| 23 years | $10,137 |
| 25 years | $12,174 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsboro
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hillsboro:
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 Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
For many Hillsboro homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillsboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various 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 determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hillsboro, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better 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 lower to compete with bigger 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 | $13,190 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,873 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,700 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,670 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,784 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $38,041 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $43,441 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $48,984 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Hillsboro, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillsboro?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hillsboro?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hillsboro. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Hillsboro?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Hillsboro?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.