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

  • Rittman Solar Installation Cost: $18,294
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,071
  • Payback Period: 15.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Rittman

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rittman.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Rittman is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Rittman, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,294, or $26,160 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rittman find going solar can pay off big.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rittman

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-17,074
3 years$-14,633
5 years$-12,193
7 years$-9,752
9 years$-7,312
11 years$-4,871
13 years$-2,431
15 years$10
17 years$2,450
19 years$4,891
21 years$7,331
23 years$9,771
25 years$12,212

Top Solar Installers in Rittman

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Rittman

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rittman

The cost of installing a solar system in Rittman can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Rittman, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Rittman average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rittman homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rittman is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.55$14,895$8,43916.0 years
8 kW$3.48$19,478$11,63415.7 years
10 kW$3.41$23,870$15,02015.3 years
12 kW$3.34$28,071$18,59715.0 years
14 kW$3.27$32,081$22,36414.7 years
16 kW$3.21$35,900$26,32314.4 years
18 kW$3.14$39,529$30,47314.1 years
20 kW$3.07$42,966$34,81313.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.

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 Rittman, OH Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Rittman is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

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

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 financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rittman, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.