Solar Panels Cost 7.3k-17k in Fairfield, OH | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $7.3k-$17k in Fairfield, OH | October, 2024

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

The average price per watt of solar systems in Fairfield, OH in October, 2024 is estimated at $3.49/W.

Stemming from this price, we are able to conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can produce, you will have to invest $3,490 for installation. When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, you will spend around $12,215, in Fairfield, for a 5 kW panel install. However, bear in mind that you may require a more extensive system to ensure your energy demands are met.

By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. The following analysis, below, highlights the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Fairfield: $12,215US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Fairfield: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Fairfield: $20,386US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Fairfield

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

Roof size 787sq. ft.
Capacity 11kW DC
Electricity 12.7kkWh AC per yr.

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

For energy consumers in Fairfield, the average electric bill amounts to $157.65 per month, with a typical usage of 784 kWh. Flats and other smaller living spaces with reduced energy consumption are covered in this figure.

The rate of electricity in Fairfield, OH, on average, is 20.1¢ per kWh in October 2024.

If your household consumes an average amount of electricity in Fairfield, you will want a solar power system of 7 kW or higher to fully cover your full electricity usage requirements. The initial cost for a 7 kW setup amounts to $24,430, but after receiving a 30% federal tax credit, your total comes down to $17,101.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Fairfield

Shown on the left, you will find a pricing structure for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Fairfield. The more extensive the solar array, the higher the initial expense, but also the more substantial electricity savings and income tax credits you'll receive.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, visible in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $157.65 in Fairfield. To get more personalized results, easily adjust the $157.65to match your usual electricity bill amount.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $818 a year
Est. Price
$7,329
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,090 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $68
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.5 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 115 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,188 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,091 a year
Est. Price
$9,772
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,454 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.33 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 153 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,250 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,363 a year
Est. Price
$12,215
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,817 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.17 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 191 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,313 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,636 a year
Est. Price
$14,658
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,181 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $136
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 230 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,376 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,909 a year
Est. Price
$17,101
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,544 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $158
  • Full payback in 9 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

Fairfield Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and agricultural businesses. If you feel you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.

Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, offered to nearly all homeowners, making it a smart option for many areas throughout the United States. State and local governments offer various programs to further encourage the switch to solar energy.

Residents of Ohio can access 15 solar rebate and incentive programs from a number of utilities and governmental organizations.

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?

Intending to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a wise investment in Fairfield. A 5 kW system in Fairfield, OH will help you save you, on average, $25,621 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 6 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Fairfield, OH

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you lose out on the earlier mentioned savings and are entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As we have seen in many recent news reports, complete reliance on your utility is not always ideal.

Recently, Fairfield has seen an average of 0.96 utility outages per customer each year. On average, each outage lasts for 100.74 minutes. Major events like lightning strikes, equipment failure, or construction accidents can considerably extend these durations.

Whether or not a backup battery is present, a solar panel system could help ease the impact of future power outages you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Butler County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel setups come with a higher price tag, yet the cost per watt lowers as the size of the system expands. For most individuals, installing a system that can generate enough power to fully offset their entire electric bill is beneficial, providing significant savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels, just like many other products, come in different makes and models. The preferences for brand that your contractor has may make it vital to select a reputable installer. Choosing higher quality materials typically ensures a more satisfying long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. Despite the higher price tag, these panels generate greater energy output. Many installation experts use panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Every home and property is unique. Uneven land, trees, or v can increase the complexity of the installation. By using satellite images, many solar installers these days can evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees get varied wages from different companies, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The final price of your installation will be impacted by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by location. That said, experienced local installers will be able to build these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other OH cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Fairfield?

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

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

Paradise Energy Solutions

Paradise CDP, PA(877) 851-9269

Services

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

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

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

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

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

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

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

Ecohouse Solar

Columbus, OH(614) 456-7641

Services

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

Appalachian Renewable Power Systems

Stewart CDP, OH(740) 277-8498

Services

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

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

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

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

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

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

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

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

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

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

EIS Solar

Pittsburgh, PA(888) 633-6451

Services

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

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

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

Fluent Solar

Lindon, UT(866) 736-1253

Services

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

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

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

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

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

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

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

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

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

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

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

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

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

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

Precision Renewables

Snyderville CDP, UT(435) 602-4120

Services

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

Icon Solar

Milford, OH(513) 396-7777

Services

  • 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.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Fairfield, OH Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Fairfield, OH as of October, 2024 is $3.49/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $12,215 in Fairfield, OH after the federal tax credit is applied.
  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Ohio are offering 15 rebates and incentives at this time. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Even though paying cash provides the most savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will include this information in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Fairfield, OH stands at 6 years, yielding average electricity savings of $25,621 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01