Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, MN (2023 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $14,241
- 25-Year Savings: $19,464
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Dayton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dayton generally cost about 2.84. The average solar panel system size in Dayton is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,234 for a solar installation, or $20,355 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dayton find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Dayton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,962 |
| 3 years | $-10,403 |
| 5 years | $-7,844 |
| 7 years | $-5,285 |
| 9 years | $-2,726 |
| 11 years | $-167 |
| 13 years | $2,392 |
| 15 years | $4,950 |
| 17 years | $7,509 |
| 19 years | $10,068 |
| 21 years | $12,627 |
| 23 years | $15,186 |
| 25 years | $17,745 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Dayton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,840 per kilowatt in Dayton. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dayton, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Dayton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Dayton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Dayton know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $15,825 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,418 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $27,171 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $33,082 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $39,152 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $45,382 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $51,770 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $58,317 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Dayton is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account 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 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 how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.