Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellaire, OH (2025 Update)
- Bellaire Solar Installation Cost: $18,453
- 25-Year Savings: $16,413
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellaire
We go over average solar pricing in Bellaire.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bellaire it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bellaire, the average price of going solar will be about $18,453 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bellaire homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Bellaire homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bellaire
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-17,121 |
3 years | $-14,457 |
5 years | $-11,793 |
7 years | $-9,129 |
9 years | $-6,465 |
11 years | $-3,801 |
13 years | $-1,137 |
15 years | $1,527 |
17 years | $4,191 |
19 years | $6,855 |
21 years | $9,519 |
23 years | $12,183 |
25 years | $14,847 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellaire
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bellaire, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Bellaire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellaire
For many Bellaire homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bellaire, 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bellaire, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bellaire, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bellaire have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $8,595 | 15.9 years |
8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $11,842 | 15.5 years |
10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $15,280 | 15.2 years |
12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $18,909 | 14.9 years |
14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $22,729 | 14.6 years |
16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $26,740 | 14.3 years |
18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $30,942 | 14.0 years |
20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $35,334 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bellaire, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellaire?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellaire?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bellaire?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Bellaire?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher amount 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.