Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pickerington, OH (2023 Update)
- Pickerington Solar Installation Cost: $13,494
- 25-Year Savings: $18,536
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pickerington
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Pickerington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pickerington, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Pickerington, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,494, or $19,296 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pickerington find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pickerington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,213 |
| 3 years | $-9,650 |
| 5 years | $-7,088 |
| 7 years | $-4,525 |
| 9 years | $-1,963 |
| 11 years | $600 |
| 13 years | $3,162 |
| 15 years | $5,724 |
| 17 years | $8,287 |
| 19 years | $10,849 |
| 21 years | $13,412 |
| 23 years | $15,974 |
| 25 years | $18,536 |
Top Solar Installers in Pickerington
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Pickerington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pickerington
While the average cost of a solar system in Pickerington is $13,494, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 about $2,560. 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 often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Pickerington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pickerington have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $14,333 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,397 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $24,605 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $29,956 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $35,451 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $41,088 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $46,870 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $52,794 | 9.5 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Pickerington, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pickerington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pickerington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Pickerington have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Pickerington?
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 larger 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.