Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zanesville, OH (2024 Update)

  • Zanesville Solar Installation Cost: $18,154
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,145
  • Payback Period: 13.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zanesville

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Zanesville.

In Zanesville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Zanesville homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,154 with the federal tax credit, or $25,960 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Zanesville find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Zanesville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,822
3 years $-14,158
5 years $-11,494
7 years $-8,830
9 years $-6,166
11 years $-3,502
13 years $-837
15 years $1,827
17 years $4,491
19 years $7,155
21 years $9,819
23 years $12,483
25 years $15,147

Top Solar Installers in Zanesville

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Zanesville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zanesville

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Zanesville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 spend about $3,410 per kilowatt in Zanesville.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Zanesville, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides 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 $10,961 14.4 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $14,997 14.1 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $19,223 13.8 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $23,641 13.6 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $28,249 13.3 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $33,049 13.0 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $38,039 12.7 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $43,221 12.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Zanesville, OH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zanesville?

The average cost of solar panels in Zanesville is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 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.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Zanesville have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

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 larger 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.

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