Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, OH (2025 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.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Hillsboro, the average price of going solar will be about $17,694 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Hillsboro homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
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
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations 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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hillsboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,410 per kilowatt in Hillsboro.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hillsboro average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hillsboro homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Hillsboro, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Hillsboro know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- 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 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
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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, 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.