Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, MN (Mar 2023)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $14,234
- 25-Year Savings: $19,471
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Dayton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dayton, the average cost of solar panels is 2.84 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $14,234 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Dayton depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dayton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Dayton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,886 |
| 3 years | $-10,189 |
| 5 years | $-7,493 |
| 7 years | $-4,797 |
| 9 years | $-2,100 |
| 11 years | $596 |
| 13 years | $3,293 |
| 15 years | $5,989 |
| 17 years | $8,686 |
| 19 years | $11,382 |
| 21 years | $14,079 |
| 23 years | $16,775 |
| 25 years | $19,471 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
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
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 is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend 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 energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Dayton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Dayton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on 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:
- 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 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
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
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.