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.
In Fairlawn, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Fairlawn homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company 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. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind 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 are often more expensive 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 more 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 many companies to choose from in Fairlawn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairlawn?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairlawn?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.