Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellbrook, OH (2023 Update)
- Bellbrook Solar Installation Cost: $13,332
- 25-Year Savings: $9,144
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellbrook
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bellbrook.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bellbrook it's 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bellbrook, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,332, or $19,065 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bellbrook homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bellbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,433 |
| 3 years | $-10,635 |
| 5 years | $-8,837 |
| 7 years | $-7,039 |
| 9 years | $-5,241 |
| 11 years | $-3,443 |
| 13 years | $-1,645 |
| 15 years | $153 |
| 17 years | $1,952 |
| 19 years | $3,750 |
| 21 years | $5,548 |
| 23 years | $7,346 |
| 25 years | $9,144 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellbrook
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Bellbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellbrook
While the average cost of a solar system in Bellbrook is $13,332, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,560 per kilowatt in Bellbrook. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bellbrook, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bellbrook, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $6,946 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $9,549 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $12,294 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $15,183 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $18,216 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $21,391 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $24,710 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $28,173 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Bellbrook, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bellbrook, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellbrook is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.