Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ohio, OH (2024 Update)

  • Ohio Solar Installation Cost: $17,585
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,987
  • Payback Period: 18.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ohio

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ohio.

In Ohio, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ohio, the average price of going solar will be about $17,585 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Ohio homeowner can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

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 Ohio

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,420
3 years$-14,090
5 years$-11,760
7 years$-9,430
9 years$-7,100
11 years$-4,770
13 years$-2,440
15 years$-110
17 years$2,220
19 years$4,550
21 years$6,880
23 years$9,210
25 years$11,540

Top Solar Installers in Ohio

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Ohio

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ohio

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Ohio: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Ohio offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.55$14,895$4,80518.9 years
8 kW$3.48$19,478$6,78918.5 years
10 kW$3.41$23,870$8,96418.2 years
12 kW$3.34$28,071$11,32917.8 years
14 kW$3.27$32,081$13,88617.4 years
16 kW$3.21$35,900$16,63317.1 years
18 kW$3.14$39,529$19,57216.7 years
20 kW$3.07$42,966$22,70116.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 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 $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ohio?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ohio, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.