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

  • Bellbrook Solar Installation Cost: $17,757
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,146
  • Payback Period: 19.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellbrook

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bellbrook.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bellbrook, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bellbrook, the average price of going solar will be about $17,757 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bellbrook

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,739
3 years$-14,702
5 years$-12,665
7 years$-10,629
9 years$-8,592
11 years$-6,556
13 years$-4,519
15 years$-2,482
17 years$-446
19 years$1,591
21 years$3,627
23 years$5,664
25 years$7,700

Top Solar Installers in Bellbrook

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Bellbrook, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Bellbrook

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellbrook

There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend around $3,410 per kilowatt in Bellbrook.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bellbrook, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bellbrook, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.55$14,895$3,23420.5 years
8 kW$3.48$19,478$4,69420.1 years
10 kW$3.41$23,870$6,34419.8 years
12 kW$3.34$28,071$8,18619.4 years
14 kW$3.27$32,081$10,21919.0 years
16 kW$3.21$35,900$12,44218.6 years
18 kW$3.14$39,529$14,85718.2 years
20 kW$3.07$42,966$17,46317.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Bellbrook?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Bellbrook. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

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

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either 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.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.