Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellefontaine, OH (2024 Update)
- Bellefontaine Solar Installation Cost: $18,054
- 25-Year Savings: $18,489
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellefontaine
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bellefontaine.
In Bellefontaine, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Bellefontaine homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,054 with the federal tax credit, or $25,817 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Bellefontaine, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bellefontaine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,035 |
| 3 years | $-14,999 |
| 5 years | $-12,962 |
| 7 years | $-10,926 |
| 9 years | $-8,889 |
| 11 years | $-6,852 |
| 13 years | $-4,816 |
| 15 years | $-2,779 |
| 17 years | $-743 |
| 19 years | $1,294 |
| 21 years | $3,330 |
| 23 years | $5,367 |
| 25 years | $7,404 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellefontaine
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bellefontaine:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Bellefontaine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellefontaine
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bellefontaine: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise 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 better efficiency. In a city like Bellefontaine, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bellefontaine to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bellefontaine is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,524 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $14,414 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $18,495 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $22,767 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $27,230 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $31,884 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $36,728 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $41,764 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bellefontaine, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellefontaine?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bellefontaine?
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 property 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.
Is it worth going solar in Bellefontaine?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Bellefontaine?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.