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

  • Bellaire Solar Installation Cost: $18,453
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,413
  • Payback Period: 15.2 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

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellaire

We go over average solar pricing in Bellaire.

The average cost of solar panels in Bellaire is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $18,453 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bellaire find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Bellaire, you can 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

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Bellaire, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Bellaire, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Bellaire

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellaire

Although the average cost of a solar system in Bellaire is $18,453, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,410.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bellaire, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Bellaire’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.

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 Bellaire, OH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bellaire?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bellaire?

Each state has some kind 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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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.

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