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

  • Richland Solar Installation Cost: $18,453
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,954
  • Payback Period: 15.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Richland

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Richland.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Richland it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Richland, the average price of going solar will be about $18,453 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Richland can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Richland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,121
3 years $-14,457
5 years $-11,793
7 years $-9,129
9 years $-6,465
11 years $-3,801
13 years $-1,137
15 years $1,527
17 years $4,191
19 years $6,855
21 years $9,519
23 years $12,183
25 years $14,847

Top Solar Installers in Richland

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Richland:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Richland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richland

There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Richland, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Richland, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 $3.55 $14,895 $8,240 16.1 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $11,368 15.8 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $14,687 15.5 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $18,198 15.2 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $21,899 14.9 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $25,791 14.5 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $29,875 14.2 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $34,149 13.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably 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:

  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Richland, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richland?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

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

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 property 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.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Richland is currently $143,208, so you could be looking at a value of about $5,872 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Richland is a fruitful investment.

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 goes down 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.

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