Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, OH (Mar 2023)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $13,279
- 25-Year Savings: $16,382
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fairfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fairfield it's 2.56 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fairfield, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,279, or $18,989 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fairfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Fairfield homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
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 Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,092 |
| 3 years | $-9,719 |
| 5 years | $-7,347 |
| 7 years | $-4,974 |
| 9 years | $-2,601 |
| 11 years | $-228 |
| 13 years | $2,145 |
| 15 years | $4,518 |
| 17 years | $6,891 |
| 19 years | $9,264 |
| 21 years | $11,637 |
| 23 years | $14,009 |
| 25 years | $16,382 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
While the average cost of a solar system in Fairfield is $13,279, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fairfield, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Fairfield homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Fairfield, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $12,830 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,393 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,100 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $26,950 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $31,943 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $37,080 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $42,360 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $47,783 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for 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 take into account, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Fairfield, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfield is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.