Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dalton, MI (2023 Update)
- Dalton Solar Installation Cost: $11,315
- 25-Year Savings: $23,456
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dalton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Dalton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dalton typically cost around 2.81. The average Dalton homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,310 with the federal tax credit, or $16,173 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on energy 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 | $-10,061 |
| 3 years | $-7,554 |
| 5 years | $-5,047 |
| 7 years | $-2,539 |
| 9 years | $-32 |
| 11 years | $2,476 |
| 13 years | $4,983 |
| 15 years | $7,490 |
| 17 years | $9,998 |
| 19 years | $12,505 |
| 21 years | $15,012 |
| 23 years | $17,520 |
| 25 years | $20,027 |
Top Solar Installers in Dalton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Dalton, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Dalton:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Dalton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dalton
While the average cost of a solar system in Dalton is $11,310, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,810 per kilowatt in Dalton. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $23,993 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $32,305 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $40,775 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $49,402 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $58,186 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $67,128 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $76,227 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $85,484 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Dalton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Dalton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dalton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dalton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Dalton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Dalton have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.