Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portsmouth, OH (2023 Update)
- Portsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $13,225
- 25-Year Savings: $14,865
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portsmouth
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Portsmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Portsmouth, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Portsmouth is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,225 for a solar installation, or $18,912 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,101 |
| 3 years | $-9,854 |
| 5 years | $-7,607 |
| 7 years | $-5,360 |
| 9 years | $-3,113 |
| 11 years | $-866 |
| 13 years | $1,382 |
| 15 years | $3,629 |
| 17 years | $5,876 |
| 19 years | $8,123 |
| 21 years | $10,370 |
| 23 years | $12,617 |
| 25 years | $14,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Portsmouth
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Portsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portsmouth
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Portsmouth average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Portsmouth provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Portsmouth is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $11,669 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $15,845 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $20,165 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $24,628 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $29,235 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $33,984 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $38,878 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $43,914 | 10.6 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates 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 Portsmouth, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portsmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Portsmouth 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Portsmouth?
Solar panels aren't free in Portsmouth, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Portsmouth?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.