Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kettering, OH (2023 Update)
- Kettering Solar Installation Cost: $13,386
- 25-Year Savings: $9,090
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kettering
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Kettering.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kettering generally cost about 2.56. Because a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Kettering, the average price of going solar will be about $13,386 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
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 panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Kettering homeowner can save about $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kettering
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,487 |
| 3 years | $-10,689 |
| 5 years | $-8,891 |
| 7 years | $-7,093 |
| 9 years | $-5,295 |
| 11 years | $-3,497 |
| 13 years | $-1,698 |
| 15 years | $100 |
| 17 years | $1,898 |
| 19 years | $3,696 |
| 21 years | $5,494 |
| 23 years | $7,292 |
| 25 years | $9,090 |
Top Solar Installers in Kettering
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Kettering
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kettering
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 $2,560. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kettering, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kettering, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kettering know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $6,867 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $9,442 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $12,161 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $15,023 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $18,029 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $21,178 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $24,470 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $27,906 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Kettering, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kettering?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kettering is currently $136,819, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,610 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kettering is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.