Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairborn, OH (2023 Update)
- Fairborn Solar Installation Cost: $13,331
- 25-Year Savings: $11,126
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairborn
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Fairborn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fairborn, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.56 per watt. The average Fairborn homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,332 with the federal tax credit, or $19,065 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairborn find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairborn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,249 |
| 3 years | $-13,086 |
| 5 years | $-12,923 |
| 7 years | $-12,760 |
| 9 years | $-12,597 |
| 11 years | $-12,434 |
| 13 years | $-12,271 |
| 15 years | $-12,108 |
| 17 years | $-11,945 |
| 19 years | $-11,782 |
| 21 years | $-11,619 |
| 23 years | $-11,456 |
| 25 years | $-11,293 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairborn
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Fairborn:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Fairborn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairborn
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fairborn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fairborn, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fairborn homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fairborn, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $8,544 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,678 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,956 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,378 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,943 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,651 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,502 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,497 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Fairborn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure 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 well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fairborn, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairborn?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fairborn?
Solar panels aren't free in Fairborn, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.