Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellbrook, OH (2024 Update)
- Bellbrook Solar Installation Cost: $17,757
- 25-Year Savings: $9,146
- Payback Period: 19.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellbrook
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bellbrook.
The average cost of solar panels in Bellbrook is 3 per watt.The average Bellbrook homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,757 with the federal tax credit, or $25,393 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bellbrook based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $11,000 in savings on 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 Bellbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,739 |
| 3 years | $-14,702 |
| 5 years | $-12,665 |
| 7 years | $-10,629 |
| 9 years | $-8,592 |
| 11 years | $-6,556 |
| 13 years | $-4,519 |
| 15 years | $-2,482 |
| 17 years | $-446 |
| 19 years | $1,591 |
| 21 years | $3,627 |
| 23 years | $5,664 |
| 25 years | $7,700 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellbrook
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Bellbrook:
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 Bellbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellbrook
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bellbrook, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Bellbrook homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bellbrook homeowners, they can also raise 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bellbrook is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3,234 | 20.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $4,694 | 20.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $6,344 | 19.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $8,186 | 19.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $10,219 | 19.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $12,442 | 18.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $14,857 | 18.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $17,463 | 17.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Bellbrook, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellbrook 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bellbrook?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bellbrook. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bellbrook?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 needs 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 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.