Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dalton, GA (2024 Update)
- Dalton Solar Installation Cost: $18,382
- 25-Year Savings: $19,137
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dalton
We go over average solar pricing in Dalton.
The average cost of solar panels in Dalton is 4 per watt.The average Dalton homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,382 with the federal tax credit, or $26,286 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dalton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,888 |
| 3 years | $-13,900 |
| 5 years | $-10,913 |
| 7 years | $-7,925 |
| 9 years | $-4,937 |
| 11 years | $-1,949 |
| 13 years | $1,039 |
| 15 years | $4,027 |
| 17 years | $7,015 |
| 19 years | $10,003 |
| 21 years | $12,991 |
| 23 years | $15,979 |
| 25 years | $18,967 |
Top Solar Installers in Dalton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're searching for a solar company in Dalton, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Dalton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,740 per kilowatt in Dalton.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dalton, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Dalton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $10,726 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $14,720 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $18,924 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $23,337 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $27,959 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $32,791 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $37,833 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $43,084 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dalton?
The average cost of solar panels in Dalton is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dalton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $902.08 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Dalton?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.