Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairborn, OH (2024 Update)

  • Fairborn Solar Installation Cost: $17,757
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,126
  • Payback Period: 18.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairborn

We go over average solar pricing in Fairborn.

The average cost of solar panels in Fairborn is 3 per watt.The average Fairborn 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 cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Fairborn depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fairborn can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fairborn

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 Fairborn

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Fairborn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairborn

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fairborn: 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 important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,410. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Fairborn, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fairborn know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $4,831 18.9 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $6,823 18.5 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $9,006 18.2 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $11,381 17.8 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $13,946 17.4 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $16,702 17.1 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $19,649 16.7 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $22,787 16.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Fairborn, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairborn?

The average cost of solar panels in Fairborn 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider aside from 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.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fairborn, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Fairborn?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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