The Pros & Cons of Solar Panel Installation in Ohio
Thinking about installing solar panels in Ohio? For most homeowners, it’s a smart investment, especially in 2025. Electricity rates are going up, and solar panels protect you against rising costs.
There are a few potential drawbacks to consider, but in most cases, the pros outweigh the cons.
Here’s a full breakdown of the pros and cons of residential solar panel installation in Ohio to help you decide whether you should install them on your roof.
Pros & Cons of Solar
Top Benefits of Installing Solar Panels in Ohio
1. Get Rid of Your Electric Bill (Mostly)
Solar panels generate electricity for your house using free energy from the sun. You’ll still get an electric bill every month, but your usage costs will drop significantly. For the majority of the year, many of our customers only pay service charges (around $8).
Over time, those savings add up, especially if you use a lot of power. Houses with electric heat, central air conditioning, hot tubs, or EV chargers can see drastic savings. The panels we install are warranty-protected for 25 years, so you have over two decades of guaranteed energy bill savings.
2. Avoid Utility Rate Hikes
Electric rates continue to rise. In June, most Ohio customers saw a 20–30% increase! With solar, you’re shielded from those hikes because you’re generating your own power instead of relying on a utility.
3. Boost the Long-Term Value of Your Home
In addition to saving you money on your electric bills, solar panels can also add value to your home. According to Zillow, homes with solar panels sell for around 4.1% more, which translates to about $9,000 extra.
But keep in mind: for solar panels to add value to your home, you have to own them. Leased panels and PPAs tend to make your house harder to sell, since the new owner will have to take over your contract. If you own your panels, the way you will if Sustainergy Cooperative installs them, they’re a permanent upgrade that adds value.
4. Get Backup Power for Grid Outages
Solar panels with a battery storage system give you the added benefit of backup power. Solar batteries store energy that your solar panels generate during the day, so you can use solar energy at night and during power outages.
5. Use Less Fossil Fuel
Every kilowatt of solar power you generate is one less that comes from oil, coal, or natural gas. That means fewer carbon emissions, cleaner air, and a better future for your children and grandchildren.
Drawbacks to Consider Before Installing Solar Panels
1. Cost Can Be High if You Can’t Access Financing
Not everyone has the cash to buy solar panels up front. Fortunately, there are excellent financing options available that spread your costs out over time. Your loan payment will replace your electric bill, and it should be lower than what you’re currently paying, so you start saving money right away.
We offer financing through Clean Energy Credit Union and other lenders to provide fair and non-predatory solar loans. We’ll help you compare your options and choose the best fit for your budget. Most homeowners qualify for financing, but if you don’t, solar might not be worth it for your home.
2. Your Output Depends on Sunlight Access
Solar panels need sunlight to generate electricity, so your output (and savings) depend on how much sun your roof gets. That said, panels are surprisingly efficient in Ohio, even on cloudy days and during the winter. A free site assessment from Sustainergy Cooperative will help you know for sure.
3. It Takes Time to Break Even
Solar is a long-term investment. It can take anywhere from 5 to 10 years or longer to break even. If you’re planning to move soon, you may not see as significant of a return on your investment. But, if you’re going to stay in your home for several years, solar is a safe, tax-free investment with a guaranteed return.
Are Solar Panels Worth It for Your Home?
So, are solar panels worth it in Ohio? We think so. They reduce your reliance on the electric grid, saving you money every month while adding value to your home and reducing carbon emissions.
But every home is different. It’s best to get all the facts up front so you can make an informed decision based on your specific home. At Sustainergy Cooperative, we’re happy to offer free assessments. We’ll tell you how much electricity you can expect to generate based on your roof, what your savings will look like, and how much it will cost.
