Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsboro, OH (Mar 2023)
- Hillsboro Solar Installation Cost: $13,279
- 25-Year Savings: $16,833
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsboro
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Hillsboro.
In Hillsboro, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Hillsboro, the average price of going solar will be about $13,279 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,074 |
| 3 years | $-9,665 |
| 5 years | $-7,256 |
| 7 years | $-4,848 |
| 9 years | $-2,439 |
| 11 years | $-30 |
| 13 years | $2,379 |
| 15 years | $4,788 |
| 17 years | $7,197 |
| 19 years | $9,606 |
| 21 years | $12,015 |
| 23 years | $14,424 |
| 25 years | $16,833 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsboro
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hillsboro, we've 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 Hillsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsboro
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Hillsboro: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Hillsboro. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. 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 choose a company that has 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 | $13,190 | 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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 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.