Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, KY (2024 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $24,826
- 25-Year Savings: $15,909
- Payback Period: 19.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
We break down average solar pricing in Dayton.
In Dayton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dayton, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $24,826, or $35,501 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,632 |
| 3 years | $-21,242 |
| 5 years | $-18,853 |
| 7 years | $-16,464 |
| 9 years | $-14,075 |
| 11 years | $-11,685 |
| 13 years | $-9,296 |
| 15 years | $-6,907 |
| 17 years | $-4,518 |
| 19 years | $-2,128 |
| 21 years | $261 |
| 23 years | $2,650 |
| 25 years | $5,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Dayton:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Dayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dayton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dayton is $24,826, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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, your total will most likely increase by around $3,650. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dayton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,708 | 20.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,353 | 19.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,202 | 19.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,256 | 19.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,514 | 18.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,977 | 18.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $16,644 | 17.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,515 | 17.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences 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:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Dayton, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dayton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Dayton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Dayton?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.