Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dalton, GA (2023 Update)
- Dalton Solar Installation Cost: $12,533
- 25-Year Savings: $19,137
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dalton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dalton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dalton it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Dalton is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,531 for a solar installation, or $17,919 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be 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. Even with the large initial cost, the average Dalton homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top 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 | $-11,039 |
| 3 years | $-8,052 |
| 5 years | $-5,064 |
| 7 years | $-2,076 |
| 9 years | $912 |
| 11 years | $3,900 |
| 13 years | $6,888 |
| 15 years | $9,876 |
| 17 years | $12,864 |
| 19 years | $15,852 |
| 21 years | $18,840 |
| 23 years | $21,828 |
| 25 years | $24,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Dalton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
For many Dalton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dalton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 around $2,550 per kilowatt in Dalton. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dalton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Dalton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Dalton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Although 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
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
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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dalton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 home 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 installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase 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 the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.