Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portsmouth, OH (2024 Update)
- Portsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $17,605
- 25-Year Savings: $15,695
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portsmouth
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Portsmouth.
In Portsmouth, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,605 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Portsmouth find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Portsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,273 |
| 3 years | $-13,609 |
| 5 years | $-10,945 |
| 7 years | $-8,281 |
| 9 years | $-5,617 |
| 11 years | $-2,953 |
| 13 years | $-289 |
| 15 years | $2,375 |
| 17 years | $5,039 |
| 19 years | $7,703 |
| 21 years | $10,367 |
| 23 years | $13,031 |
| 25 years | $15,695 |
Top Solar Installers in Portsmouth
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Portsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portsmouth
For many Portsmouth homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Portsmouth, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Portsmouth, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Portsmouth average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Portsmouth to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Portsmouth is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $7,956 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $10,990 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $14,215 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $17,631 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $21,238 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $25,036 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $29,024 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $33,204 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Portsmouth, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Portsmouth, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portsmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Portsmouth 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Portsmouth?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 buy 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.