Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairborn, OH (2025 Update)
- Fairborn Solar Installation Cost: $17,757
- 25-Year Savings: $11,126
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairborn
We go over average solar pricing in Fairborn.
In Fairborn, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $17,757 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fairborn homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Fairborn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairborn
| Year | Return 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 Fairborn
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Fairborn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairborn
The cost of installing a solar system in Fairborn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,410. The brand and kind 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 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 more 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fairborn homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4,831 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $6,823 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,006 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $11,381 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $13,946 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $16,702 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $19,649 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $22,787 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fairborn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Fairborn, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairborn?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairborn 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $657.53 per year.
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 larger 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.