Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ohio, PA (2023 Update)
- Ohio Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $14,537
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ohio
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ohio.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ohio it's 2.55 per watt. The average Ohio homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,441 with the federal tax credit, or $17,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Ohio for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Ohio
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,362 |
| 3 years | $-9,204 |
| 5 years | $-7,046 |
| 7 years | $-4,887 |
| 9 years | $-2,729 |
| 11 years | $-571 |
| 13 years | $1,587 |
| 15 years | $3,746 |
| 17 years | $5,904 |
| 19 years | $8,062 |
| 21 years | $10,220 |
| 23 years | $12,379 |
| 25 years | $14,537 |
Top Solar Installers in Ohio
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Ohio:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Ohio. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ohio, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ohio have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ohio homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ohio is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,086 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,400 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,857 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $25,456 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $30,199 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $35,084 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $40,112 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $45,283 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ohio?
Solar panels aren't free in Ohio, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Ohio?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.