People often ask us, “Are solar panels worth it in Ohio?”. You might be surprised to know that solar panels can be worth it for many Ohio homeowners, but to be clear, solar is not worth it for everyone. In Ohio especially, the return on investment really depends on your specific circumstances. Let us explain:
Your return on investment for solar is influenced by five major factors: the pitch of your roof, the orientation of the panels, your roof’s access to the sun, your energy usage, and the size of your roof.
Ideal Conditions for Solar Panels in Ohio
Roof pitch: Solar panels work great with most roofs, but the optimal angle for panels is 30 degrees. When the panels are oriented at 30 degrees, it maximizes the panel’s access to solar rays throughout the day. The average roof pitch is 33 degrees which is optimal for solar.
Solar Panel Orientation: In the United States, solar panels that face south receive the most exposure to sunlight. If you have a south-facing roof with minimal shade, it is likely that you will need fewer panels to power your home than a house with only east, west, or north-facing panels. East and west-facing panels still produce a great output, it’s just not the most efficient orientation.
Access to the sun: Shade from trees or large buildings can affect the production of your solar panels. Homes with little to no shade covering the roof are ideal for solar. The more access your roof has to the sun, the more energy you’ll get out of your system.
Energy usage: Energy usage has a major effect on the number of panels needed to power your home. The more electricity you use, the more panels you will need. The average home solar system in the United States is about six kilowatts, which is equivalent to 19 panels. That is about as many panels needed to cover an electric bill of $120-$150 per month.
Roof size: The size of the roof is important because it allows you to scale your solar system as needed. If you need 19 panels to completely cover your electricity usage, but the installation team can only fit 18, you’re missing out on your system’s full potential.
Though these are factors to consider, you may very well be a good fit for solar even if your home doesn’t perfectly fit each of these criteria. It’s also worth noting that if your roof isn’t the best fit for solar panels, ground mount options are also available. A ground mount can be placed almost anywhere on your property and can be oriented directly south facing at a 30-degree pitch. Ground mounts are great for homeowners who have enough room for a solar array, ideally at least 0.5 – 1 acre of land.
Free Solar Panel Home Analysis
If you’re still considering solar and aren’t sure if your home will be a good fit, take advantage of our free, no-obligation solar analysis. Using advanced 3D imaging software, we design a rendering of your home to scale that replicates surrounding shade, roof pitch, and exact electricity usage. All we need is a copy of your most recent power bill. After you request a free analysis from our team, we can have your design ready in less than 24 hours.