Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milton, OH (2024 Update)
- Milton Solar Installation Cost: $18,726
- 25-Year Savings: $12,379
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Milton
We go over average solar pricing in Milton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Milton typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.8-kW system would cost about $18,726 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Milton homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Milton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Milton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,506 |
| 3 years | $-15,065 |
| 5 years | $-12,625 |
| 7 years | $-10,184 |
| 9 years | $-7,744 |
| 11 years | $-5,303 |
| 13 years | $-2,863 |
| 15 years | $-422 |
| 17 years | $2,018 |
| 19 years | $4,459 |
| 21 years | $6,899 |
| 23 years | $9,340 |
| 25 years | $11,780 |
Top Solar Installers in Milton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
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 Milton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milton
For many Milton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Milton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Milton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Milton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Milton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $5,325 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,482 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,830 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,369 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,099 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,019 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,131 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,434 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Milton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion 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 Milton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Milton?
The average cost of solar panels in Milton is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Milton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Milton?
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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.