Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zanesville, OH (2023 Update)
- Zanesville Solar Installation Cost: $13,637
- 25-Year Savings: $19,137
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zanesville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Zanesville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Zanesville it's 2.56 per watt. The average Zanesville homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,637 with the federal tax credit, or $19,501 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Zanesville homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Zanesville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zanesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,326 |
| 3 years | $-9,704 |
| 5 years | $-7,082 |
| 7 years | $-4,460 |
| 9 years | $-1,839 |
| 11 years | $783 |
| 13 years | $3,405 |
| 15 years | $6,027 |
| 17 years | $8,649 |
| 19 years | $11,271 |
| 21 years | $13,893 |
| 23 years | $16,515 |
| 25 years | $19,137 |
Top Solar Installers in Zanesville
Do-it-yourself 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 converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Zanesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zanesville
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,560 per kilowatt in Zanesville. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Zanesville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Zanesville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $14,674 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,852 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $25,173 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $30,638 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $36,246 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $41,998 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $47,892 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $53,931 | 9.4 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:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Zanesville, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zanesville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Zanesville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Zanesville?
The majority of 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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.