Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chillicothe, OH (2024 Update)
- Chillicothe Solar Installation Cost: $17,738
- 25-Year Savings: $25,347
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chillicothe
We go over average solar pricing in Chillicothe.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chillicothe typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,738 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Chillicothe based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Chillicothe homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Chillicothe, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chillicothe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,015 |
| 3 years | $-12,568 |
| 5 years | $-9,121 |
| 7 years | $-5,675 |
| 9 years | $-2,228 |
| 11 years | $1,219 |
| 13 years | $4,666 |
| 15 years | $8,113 |
| 17 years | $11,560 |
| 19 years | $15,006 |
| 21 years | $18,453 |
| 23 years | $21,900 |
| 25 years | $25,347 |
Top Solar Installers in Chillicothe
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Chillicothe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chillicothe
The cost of installing a solar system in Chillicothe 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 company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,410. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chillicothe have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chillicothe is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Chillicothe have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $16,917 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $22,939 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $29,151 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $35,554 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $42,147 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $48,932 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $55,908 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $63,075 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Chillicothe, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Chillicothe, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chillicothe?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chillicothe?
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 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.
Does Chillicothe have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.