Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dana, NC (2025 Update)
- Dana Solar Installation Cost: $16,863
- 25-Year Savings: $18,735
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dana
We break down average solar pricing in Dana.
The average cost of solar panels in Dana is 4 per watt.The average Dana homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,863 with the federal tax credit, or $24,114 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Dana depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,441 |
| 3 years | $-12,598 |
| 5 years | $-9,755 |
| 7 years | $-6,913 |
| 9 years | $-4,070 |
| 11 years | $-1,227 |
| 13 years | $1,616 |
| 15 years | $4,459 |
| 17 years | $7,302 |
| 19 years | $10,145 |
| 21 years | $12,988 |
| 23 years | $15,830 |
| 25 years | $18,673 |
Top Solar Installers in Dana
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Dana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dana
For many Dana homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dana, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Dana homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Dana are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.65 | $15,332 | $11,715 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.58 | $20,049 | $16,013 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.51 | $24,570 | $20,508 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.44 | $28,894 | $25,199 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.37 | $33,022 | $30,087 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.30 | $36,953 | $35,171 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.23 | $40,688 | $40,452 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.16 | $44,226 | $45,930 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Dana, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dana?
The average cost of solar panels in Dana is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dana?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Dana, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.