Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portsmouth, OH (2024 Update)
- Portsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $17,605
- 25-Year Savings: $15,695
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portsmouth
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Portsmouth.
The average cost of a solar system in Portsmouth is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,605 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Portsmouth for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,273 |
| 3 years | $-13,609 |
| 5 years | $-10,945 |
| 7 years | $-8,281 |
| 9 years | $-5,617 |
| 11 years | $-2,953 |
| 13 years | $-289 |
| 15 years | $2,375 |
| 17 years | $5,039 |
| 19 years | $7,703 |
| 21 years | $10,367 |
| 23 years | $13,031 |
| 25 years | $15,695 |
Top Solar Installers in Portsmouth
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Portsmouth, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Portsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portsmouth
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,410. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Portsmouth homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Portsmouth is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,956 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,990 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,215 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,631 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,238 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $25,036 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $29,024 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,204 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Portsmouth, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Portsmouth, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portsmouth?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Portsmouth?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.