Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairlawn, OH (2024 Update)
- Fairlawn Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $12,436
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairlawn
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Fairlawn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fairlawn it’s 3 per watt.Since a 7.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fairlawn, the average price of going solar will be about $18,650 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fairlawn can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Fairlawn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairlawn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,430 |
| 3 years | $-14,989 |
| 5 years | $-12,549 |
| 7 years | $-10,108 |
| 9 years | $-7,668 |
| 11 years | $-5,227 |
| 13 years | $-2,787 |
| 15 years | $-346 |
| 17 years | $2,094 |
| 19 years | $4,535 |
| 21 years | $6,975 |
| 23 years | $9,416 |
| 25 years | $11,856 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairlawn
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Fairlawn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairlawn
The cost of installing a solar system in Fairlawn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fairlawn, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fairlawn, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fairlawn homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fairlawn, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fairlawn know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $5,407 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $7,592 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $9,967 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $12,534 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $15,291 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $18,239 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $21,378 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $24,708 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Fairlawn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Fairlawn, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairlawn?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairlawn is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fairlawn?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Fairlawn have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.