Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dalton, MI (2024 Update)
- Dalton Solar Installation Cost: $16,349
- 25-Year Savings: $23,456
- Payback Period: 11.8 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.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dalton, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,349, or $23,379 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dalton see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Dalton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Dalton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,095 |
| 3 years | $-12,587 |
| 5 years | $-10,080 |
| 7 years | $-7,573 |
| 9 years | $-5,065 |
| 11 years | $-2,558 |
| 13 years | $-50 |
| 15 years | $2,457 |
| 17 years | $4,964 |
| 19 years | $7,472 |
| 21 years | $9,979 |
| 23 years | $12,486 |
| 25 years | $14,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Dalton
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Dalton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.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 often come at a higher price 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dalton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Dalton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $18,533 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,165 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,025 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,112 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,426 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,968 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,737 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,734 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Dalton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dalton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 secure 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.
Is it worth going solar in Dalton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.