Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, OH (2024 Update)
- Hillsboro Solar Installation Cost: $17,694
- 25-Year Savings: $16,828
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hillsboro.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hillsboro is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Hillsboro, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,694, or $25,302 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Hillsboro depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Hillsboro homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,676 |
| 3 years | $-14,640 |
| 5 years | $-12,603 |
| 7 years | $-10,566 |
| 9 years | $-8,530 |
| 11 years | $-6,493 |
| 13 years | $-4,457 |
| 15 years | $-2,420 |
| 17 years | $-383 |
| 19 years | $1,653 |
| 21 years | $3,690 |
| 23 years | $5,726 |
| 25 years | $7,763 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsboro
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
For many Hillsboro homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to 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 considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hillsboro, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hillsboro, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Hillsboro are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $9,477 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,018 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,750 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,673 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $24,787 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $29,092 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $33,588 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $38,274 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Hillsboro, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillsboro?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 get 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.