Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dalton, MI (Mar 2023)
- Dalton Solar Installation Cost: $11,310
- 25-Year Savings: $23,461
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dalton typically cost about 2.81. The average solar panel system size in Dalton is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,310 for a solar installation, or $16,173 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Dalton homeowner can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dalton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,919 |
| 3 years | $-7,138 |
| 5 years | $-4,356 |
| 7 years | $-1,574 |
| 9 years | $1,207 |
| 11 years | $3,989 |
| 13 years | $6,771 |
| 15 years | $9,552 |
| 17 years | $12,334 |
| 19 years | $15,116 |
| 21 years | $17,897 |
| 23 years | $20,679 |
| 25 years | $23,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Dalton
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dalton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,810. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Dalton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $2.92 | $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 lot of 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Dalton is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as 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 appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dalton is currently $141,385, so you could be looking at a value of about $5,797 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dalton is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Dalton?
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 higher level 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.