Solar Panels in Ohio

Have you ever looked at the roof of a house and wondered why big, boxy sheets rest there? These are likely commercial solar panels, a renewable and efficient energy source available to anyone. Many homes, even in Loveland, now have solar panels instead of being connected to the greater power grid, a leading driver of pollution.

The primary incentive for investing in solar panels is their environmental benefits. The United States Power Outage Map (USPOM) suggests that a normal household in Ohio, about 7 kilowatts(kW), produces an extra 4.98 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) while on the grid. Five tons of CO₂ per household per year is a massive fraction of the annual 5.1 billion tons produced by the United States, based on statistics from the U.S. Geological Survey. By switching to solar, energy can also be used more efficiently once on the “Smart Grid,” an initiative by the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) that uses advanced communication technologies to lower power waste.

But how much does all of this cost? The government lowered the cost of solar panels under the Biden administration by offering a 30% IRS tax credit to any household considering solar panels between 2022 and 2032. While this is a significant chunk of the price, almost $10,000 for most systems, the remaining cost is around $3,348 per kW, according to the USPOM. From the same source, most systems will pay for themselves in less than ten years, saving $1,000 a year. Solar panels are both a great investment and amazing for the environment.

With price, there are some worries about maintenance and consistency, primarily that solar panels can be worn out over time and may need to be completely replaced. The OCC, however, mentions that as solar panels are growing in popularity, so are the incentives and advances in technology. Durable and cheap solar panels have been in development for years, with options like the Anker SOLIX Portable Power Station and the 4Patriots Patriot Power Sidekick Solar Generator, costing $450 and $550, respectively. These choices are much more user-friendly, and many have been able to connect solar-powered generators to their personal grid.

Installation is the most important step of the entire process of switching to solar. Is your service asking you to pay too much? Are they going to do a good job? Will the system work long-term? A reliable installation service is hard to find, as there are over 1500 in the Cincinnati area. EcoWatch—a website that offers customer reviews, professional rankings, and free estimates—has a list of the most consistent installers in Cincinnati. At the top of their list, located in Mason and sporting five stars, is Raiden Electric Solar. More information and a free quote can be found on their website: http://www.raidenelectric.com/. 

All in all, there hasn’t been a better time to switch to solar. The world is changing to be more sustainable as climate change’s effects become more evident, and reliable investments are a must in a country with growing prices. Consider your choices and buy into a better future today!