Solar Panels Cost 7.1k-16k in Fairborn, OH | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $7.1k-$16k in Fairborn, OH | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Fairborn, OH in 2024?

In Fairborn, OH, the cost per watt for solar panel installations is around $3.42 per watt in October, 2024.

It will cost $3,420, on average, for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system is able to generate. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar system in Fairborn generally comes out to around $11,970. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be big enough to adequately cover your energy consumption.

To the left, you can choose your county to find the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. The following overview, below, highlights the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Fairborn: $11,970US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Fairborn: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Fairborn: $15,792US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Fairborn

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Fairborn.

Roof size 912sq. ft.
Capacity 12.75kW DC
Electricity 14.3kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Fairborn, OH & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

Fairborn residents typically consume 769 kWh of electricity each month, with bills around $137.05. It’s worth noting that this number accounts for apartments and other smaller dwellings, which generally require lower energy consumption.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Fairborn, OH is on average 17.83¢ per kWh.

In Fairborn, a system size of 7 kW or larger is a must for the typical electricity consumer to account for their full energy needs. At this time, a 7 kW solar panel system will initially set you back around $23,940, but the 30% tax credit lowers the cost to $16,758.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Fairborn

On the left, you will find a cost breakdown for various solar panel system sizes set up in Fairborn. Of course, a bigger solar system implies a higher upfront cost, but it also leads to greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The calculator below and to the right gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $137.05 in Fairborn. For tailored results, update the $137.05 to whichever your usual electricity bill is.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $736 a year
Est. Price
$7,182
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,090 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $61
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.59 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 119 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,423 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $982 a year
Est. Price
$9,576
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,454 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.46 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 159 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,564 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,227 a year
Est. Price
$11,970
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,817 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $102
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 199 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,704 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,473 a year
Est. Price
$14,364
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,181 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $123
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.19 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 238 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,845 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,718 a year
Est. Price
$16,758
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,544 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $137
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.79 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 266 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,341 mi less a year

Fairborn Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural small business owners and farmers could receive REAP Grant funding covering between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. Think you fit this category? Confirm your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to nearly everyone, which makes solar a sensible option in many states. In conjunction with federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.

A total of 15 solar rebates and incentives are available in Ohio through different utility companies and government departments.

Solar incentives in OH

Advanced Energy Fund

Value:Varies

The Ohio Advanced Energy Fund is the backbone of Ohio's statewide energy efficiency incentive and financing system, though it does not directly service or disburse loans itself. Funding is acquired through utility compliance fees or customer surcharges. From time to time, AEF administrators will announce a request for proposals on new energy projects within different sectors of the Ohioan economy. Grants from the fund may be awarded to winning proposals. Fund-supported programs do not apply to customers of local public utilities or cooperatives.

Qualified Energy Property Tax Exemption for Projects 250 kW or Less

Value:Varies

Ohio offers state real and personal property tax exemptions on renewable energy devices. Any system built in/after 2010, rated for under 250 kW, and using solar, wind, biomass, or another renewable technology is considered fully exempt for its entire useful life. System parts, structural components, and equipment used to interconnect the system to a utility grid also qualify. Additional information and application forms are available from the Ohio Development Services Agency.

Energy Loan Fund (ELF)

Value:Varies

The Ohio Energy Loan Fund is administered by the Department of Development's Office of Energy Efficiency. The ELF is supported by the state Advanced Energy Fund and payments from the state's four private utilities. ELF funds support energy efficiency loans for small commercial, industrial, nonprofit, and public-sector property. Funding is allocated proportionally across each of these economic sectors. The nature of the fund means that customers of local public utilities or cooperatives may not be eligible for financing. Additional information is available through the OEE website.

Energy Loan Fund

Value:Varies

The Ohio Energy Loan Fund is managed by the Department of Development and is supported by the state's Advanced Energy Fund. Loans from the ELF support small businesses (under 500 employees), businesses producing manufactured goods, and public-sector agencies/nonprofits. The available principal for an ELF loan ranges from $250 thousand to $2 million. Qualifying projects should be approved by an energy auditor and cut energy consumption by at least 15%. Additional information, including a directory of loan servicers, is available from the Ohio Development Services Agency website.

Qualified Energy Property Tax Exemption for Projects over 250 kW (Payment in Lieu)

Value:Varies

Ohio offers state real and personal property tax exemptions on large renewable energy devices. Any system built in/after 2010, rated for over 250 kW, and using solar, wind, biomass, or another renewable technology is considered fully exempt for its entire useful life. System parts, structural components, and equipment used to interconnect the system to a utility grid also qualify. As conditions for the exemption, the system owner is required to create a minimum amount of jobs and enter REC purchase agreements with utilities. Systems over 2 MW may be subject to additional requirements.

Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Program

Value:Varies

The Advanced Energy Job Stimulus Fund supports job creation, manufacturing, and renewable energy research and development in the state. Initial funding for the first three years totaled $150 million from the state's general reserves. Funding is awarded to businesses through special bonds completely exempt from state taxes. A bond's amount is based on the applicant's credit history and the projects which will be funded. Small grants may be awarded to startups investing or researching potential disruptive technologies in the energy sector. Additional information is available from the Department of Development website.

Energy Conversion and Thermal Efficiency Sales Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

In Ohio, sales/use tax exemptions are available for equipment that improves thermal efficiency or converts oil/gas to an alternate sustainable fuel. Equipment used to convert solid waste into fuel may also qualify. To claim the exemption, the facility owner should obtain a certification number through the Ohio Department of Taxation. Additional information is available from the departmental website.

Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs)

Value:Varies

Compliance with solar carve-out provisions of the Ohio Alternative Energy Resource Standard is tracked using a solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) system. An SREC is equivalent to one megawatt hour of electrical capacity. The monetary value of an SREC fluctuates with market forces. Any solar PV, thermal, or HVAC system in Ohio is capable of generating SRECs upon registration with the state Public Utilities Commission. Once registered, utilities may purchase certificates from customers at fair market value to meet their AERS quota. Should a utility fail to meet its SREC quota in a given year, it will pay a "penalty" compliance fee per megawatt hour/certificate it is deficient. Fine revenue supports the Advanced Energy Fund, and it may not be projected onto customers.

Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program

Value:Varies

Through the Ohio state treasury's ECO-Link initiative, homeowners in Ohio may be eligible for special energy improvement loans through a variety of banking partners. Qualifying projects include the full breadth of energy efficiency solutions, including windows, insulation/weatherization, central and room HVAC, water heating, large appliances, solar PV arrays, and wind turbines under 100 kW. Only projects approved by a program auditing representative will be approved for funding. Standard credit checks and prior approval from the customer's bank apply. Additional information is available from the Ohio Treasurer's website.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design in New School Construction

Value:Varies

New public and private school buildings in Ohio are required to meet certain green building standards. Should a school meet these standards, it will receive financial assistance from the Ohio School Facilities Commission. At a minimum, buildings should seek to meet the specialty LEED Gold certification for schools, though existing projects may strive for Silver certification. Later amendments to the standards required schools to be "solar-ready." If a new school does not already have rooftop solar PV panels installed, it should be equipped to accommodate a future PV system. Additional information is available from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission website.

First Energy Ohio - Renewable Energy Credit Procurements

Value:Varies

On occasion, FirstEnergy will seek renewable energy project proposals to fortify its renewable energy credit (REC) purchasing portfolio. The utility is interested in both long and short-term purchase agreements to acquire between 5,000 and 20,000 RECs per year. Facilities should seek certification from the Ohio Public Utilities Commission. Additional details on the application process are available from the website.

Green Energy Ohio - GEO Solar Thermal Rebate Program

Value:Varies

Ohio homeowners may be eligible for rebates on new solar water heaters from a Green Energy Ohio/Sierra Club initiative. A customer's expected rebate will be based on their system's expected performance. Current base rates are $30/daily kBtu, with a maximum allowable rebate equal to 20% of project costs. To qualify for the rebate, a customer must seek project preapproval from Green Energy Ohio, obtain engineering surveys, and use a participating contractor. Installation can begin six months from preapproval at the latest. The rebate will be awarded after a successful final inspection from both GEO and the customer's local building department. Additional information is available from the GEO website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

All private/municipal utilities and electrical cooperatives in Ohio are required to offer net metering to their renewable energy customers. Any solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, or landfill gas system qualifies so long as it meets state interconnection standards and its capacity does not exceed customer demands. Net metering participants will have a bidirectional meter installed to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. The utility will issue monthly bill credits for NEG at a fixed avoided-cost rate. Special net metering programs are available for hospitals, who may use conventional or renewable energy technologies.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

In 2014, Ohio's utility regulator made amendments to distributed generation and grid interconnection standards. All new renewable energy devices being connected to the power grid will be sorted into one of three capacity levels governing permit processes, fees, review turnaround time, and required IEEE/UL performance and safety specifications. Utilities may require system owners to install external disconnect switches or carry liability insurance, but they are limited to asking for proof of insurance rather than setting a minimum policy amount. Additional information is available from the Ohio Public Utilities Commission website.

Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Ohio first adopted its mandatory Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard in 2008. All private utilities are required to participate; local public utilities and cooperatives may contribute voluntarily to the standard. Current AEPS goals require at least 25% of the state's retail electricity to be generated using renewable technology by 2025. Carve-out policies require a portion of annual RPS quotas to be met using solar energy. Compliance is measured using a renewable energy credit (REC) system pegging one megawatt hour to a fluctuating dollar amount. All operational renewable energy systems generate RECs, but utilities may purchase credits from customers using net metering or other power purchase agreements. Credits will expire after five years. Should a utility fail to meet its REC quota, it will be assessed a penalty fine for each megawatt hour it is deficient. Fine revenue goes to the Ohio Advanced Energy Fund.

Are solar panels worth it in Ohio?

If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, investing in solar panels is a smart option in Fairborn. A 5 kW solar system in Fairborn, OH might save you an average of $20,922 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 7 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Fairborn, OH

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently pointed out that complete dependence on your utility isn't always ideal.

Recently, the average number of utility outages per customer in Fairborn has been 1.03 annually. Each outage, on average, lasts for 116.5 minutes. In the case of major events like aging infrastructure, earthquakes or planned maintenance, this period can rise substantially.

With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could mitigate the effects of future power interruptions you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Greene County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Fairborn, OH?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a larger upfront cost, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size expands. Installing a solar panel system that can replace the electric bill is useful to homeowners because of the money saved.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it essential to choose a highly rated company. Buyers often find that employing better quality makes and models leads to a more satisfactory long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's no surprise that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. They come with a higher price, but they provide more energy. Many solar panel installers prefer this type of material.

Your Property - Elements like sloped land, trees, or additional hurdles might complicate the installation process. Solar installers currently have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The different employee wages paid by companies lead to costs that consumers ultimately bearing . Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area, will impact your installation cost. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other OH cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Fairborn?

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise CDP, PA(877) 851-9269

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Appalachian Renewable Power Systems

Stewart CDP, OH(740) 277-8498

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Entero Energy

Austin, TX(512) 551-0742

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Generac

Waukesha, WI(888) 436-3722

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

EIS Solar

Pittsburgh, PA(888) 633-6451

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Fluent Solar

Lindon, UT(866) 736-1253

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ohio Power Solutions

London, OH(740) 908-1040

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Precision Renewables

Snyderville CDP, UT(435) 602-4120

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Icon Solar

Milford, OH(513) 396-7777

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Fairborn, OH Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Fairborn, OH is $3.42/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Fairborn, OH drops to roughly $11,970.
  • There are 15 rebates and incentives available in Ohio from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying cash offers the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be specified in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Fairborn, OH pay for themselves in 7 years, with homeowners saving approximately $20,922 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01