Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dana, NC (2023 Update)
- Dana Solar Installation Cost: $12,197
- 25-Year Savings: $18,741
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dana
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dana.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dana typically cost about 2.54. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $12,197 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Dana homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,960 |
| 3 years | $-8,485 |
| 5 years | $-6,010 |
| 7 years | $-3,535 |
| 9 years | $-1,059 |
| 11 years | $1,416 |
| 13 years | $3,891 |
| 15 years | $6,366 |
| 17 years | $8,841 |
| 19 years | $11,316 |
| 21 years | $13,791 |
| 23 years | $16,266 |
| 25 years | $18,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Dana
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting 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 pick which one will be best for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Dana
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dana
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Dana: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,540. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dana average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Dana 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 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dana is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $15,952 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,554 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,298 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $33,184 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $39,213 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $45,383 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $51,696 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $58,152 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
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 $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model 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?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dana. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dana?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.