Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ohio, OH (2023 Update)
- Ohio Solar Installation Cost: $13,207
- 25-Year Savings: $10,981
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ohio
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ohio.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ohio typically cost about 2.56. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ohio, the average price of going solar will be about $13,207 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Ohio depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Ohio for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ohio
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,240 |
| 3 years | $-10,304 |
| 5 years | $-8,369 |
| 7 years | $-6,434 |
| 9 years | $-4,499 |
| 11 years | $-2,564 |
| 13 years | $-629 |
| 15 years | $1,306 |
| 17 years | $3,241 |
| 19 years | $5,176 |
| 21 years | $7,111 |
| 23 years | $9,046 |
| 25 years | $10,981 |
Top Solar Installers in Ohio
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Ohio
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ohio
For many Ohio homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ohio, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 $2,560 per kilowatt in Ohio. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ohio to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Ohio, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,518 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,644 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,914 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,326 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,883 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,582 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,425 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,411 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Ohio, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ohio?
The average cost of solar panels in Ohio is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ohio?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ohio. 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $656.67 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.