Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ohio, OH (2023 Update)
- Ohio Solar Installation Cost: $13,202
- 25-Year Savings: $10,987
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ohio
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Ohio.
In Ohio, 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 Ohio, the average price of going solar will be about $13,207 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ohio find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Ohio, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ohio
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,121 |
| 3 years | $-12,960 |
| 5 years | $-12,798 |
| 7 years | $-12,637 |
| 9 years | $-12,476 |
| 11 years | $-12,315 |
| 13 years | $-12,153 |
| 15 years | $-11,992 |
| 17 years | $-11,831 |
| 19 years | $-11,670 |
| 21 years | $-11,508 |
| 23 years | $-11,347 |
| 25 years | $-11,186 |
Top Solar Installers in Ohio
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ohio
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ohio
There are many factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,560. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ohio average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Ohio homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Ohio's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Ohio, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Ohio?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ohio. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout 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 long do solar panels last in Ohio?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.