Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dana, NC (2023 Update)
- Dana Solar Installation Cost: $12,203
- 25-Year Savings: $18,735
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dana
We break down average solar pricing in Dana.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dana it's 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Dana is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,197 for a solar installation, or $17,442 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Dana can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Dana, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dana
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,099 |
| 3 years | $-11,893 |
| 5 years | $-11,687 |
| 7 years | $-11,481 |
| 9 years | $-11,274 |
| 11 years | $-11,068 |
| 13 years | $-10,862 |
| 15 years | $-10,656 |
| 17 years | $-10,449 |
| 19 years | $-10,243 |
| 21 years | $-10,037 |
| 23 years | $-9,831 |
| 25 years | $-9,624 |
Top Solar Installers in Dana
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,540. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dana have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Dana, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dana?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dana?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Dana have a net metering program?
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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.