Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ohio, PA (2024 Update)
- Ohio Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
- 25-Year Savings: $14,537
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ohio
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Ohio.
In Ohio, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $17,320 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 equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ohio for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ohio
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-12,410 |
| 5 years | $-9,136 |
| 7 years | $-5,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,588 |
| 11 years | $686 |
| 13 years | $3,960 |
| 15 years | $7,233 |
| 17 years | $10,507 |
| 19 years | $13,781 |
| 21 years | $17,055 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $23,603 |
Top Solar Installers in Ohio
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Ohio, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Ohio
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ohio
The cost of installing a solar system in Ohio can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ohio homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Ohio’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,718 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,688 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,857 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $17,224 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,791 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $24,556 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $28,520 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $32,683 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Ohio, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ohio?
The average cost of solar panels in Ohio is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Ohio?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ohio, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having 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 Ohio is currently $319,917, which means you could be looking at a value of about $13,117 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ohio is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.