Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kettering, OH (2024 Update)
- Kettering Solar Installation Cost: $17,836
- 25-Year Savings: $9,087
- Payback Period: 19.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kettering
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Kettering.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kettering generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Kettering is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,836 for a solar installation, or $25,505 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Kettering based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Kettering can save around $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kettering
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,817 |
| 3 years | $-14,781 |
| 5 years | $-12,744 |
| 7 years | $-10,707 |
| 9 years | $-8,671 |
| 11 years | $-6,634 |
| 13 years | $-4,598 |
| 15 years | $-2,561 |
| 17 years | $-525 |
| 19 years | $1,512 |
| 21 years | $3,549 |
| 23 years | $5,585 |
| 25 years | $7,622 |
Top Solar Installers in Kettering
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Kettering
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kettering
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Kettering: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kettering to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kettering is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually 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 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $3,154 | 20.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $4,587 | 20.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $6,211 | 19.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $8,026 | 19.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $10,032 | 19.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $12,229 | 18.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $14,617 | 18.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $17,196 | 17.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Kettering, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kettering?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kettering?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Kettering?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.