Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dalton, GA (Jan 2023)
- Dalton Solar Installation Cost: $12,531
- 25-Year Savings: $19,139
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dalton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Dalton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dalton, the typical cost of solar panels is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0 would cost about $12,531 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Dalton based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dalton find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Dalton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dalton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,264 |
| 3 years | $-8,730 |
| 5 years | $-6,197 |
| 7 years | $-3,663 |
| 9 years | $-1,130 |
| 11 years | $1,404 |
| 13 years | $3,938 |
| 15 years | $6,471 |
| 17 years | $9,005 |
| 19 years | $11,539 |
| 21 years | $14,072 |
| 23 years | $16,606 |
| 25 years | $19,139 |
Top Solar Installers in Dalton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Dalton, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Dalton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dalton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Dalton: 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 panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dalton, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Dalton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $15,924 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,517 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,254 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,133 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,155 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $45,320 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $51,627 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $58,078 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Dalton, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dalton?
The average cost of solar panels in Dalton is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Dalton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.