Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilliard, OH (2024 Update)
- Hilliard Solar Installation Cost: $18,014
- 25-Year Savings: $17,128
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilliard
We go over average solar pricing in Hilliard.
In Hilliard, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Hilliard is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,014 for a solar installation, or $25,760 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Hilliard homeowner can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hilliard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,791 |
| 3 years | $-14,345 |
| 5 years | $-11,899 |
| 7 years | $-9,453 |
| 9 years | $-7,007 |
| 11 years | $-4,560 |
| 13 years | $-2,114 |
| 15 years | $332 |
| 17 years | $2,778 |
| 19 years | $5,224 |
| 21 years | $7,670 |
| 23 years | $10,116 |
| 25 years | $12,562 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilliard
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional 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 Hilliard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilliard
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Hilliard: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hilliard homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,475 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $13,015 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,746 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,668 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $24,781 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $29,085 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $33,580 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $38,266 | 13.2 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. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Hilliard, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hilliard?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hilliard?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hilliard is currently $347,651, so you can expect a value of about $14,254 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hilliard is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install 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.