Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, NJ (2024 Update)

  • Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,776
  • Payback Period: 16.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Dayton.

In Dayton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Dayton is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,564 for a solar installation, or $16,537 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Dayton based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Dayton can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dayton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,142
3 years $-7,297
5 years $-4,452
7 years $-1,608
9 years $1,237
11 years $4,082
13 years $6,927
15 years $9,771
17 years $12,616
19 years $15,461
21 years $18,306
23 years $21,150
25 years $23,995

Top Solar Installers in Dayton

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Dayton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dayton

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Dayton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,530 per kilowatt in Dayton.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dayton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Dayton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Dayton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $3.67 $15,419 $7,466 16.8 years
8 kW $3.60 $20,163 $10,350 16.5 years
10 kW $3.53 $24,710 $13,432 16.2 years
12 kW $3.46 $29,059 $16,711 15.9 years
14 kW $3.39 $33,210 $20,188 15.5 years
16 kW $3.32 $37,164 $23,863 15.2 years
18 kW $3.25 $40,920 $27,736 14.9 years
20 kW $3.18 $44,478 $31,806 14.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Dayton, NJ Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dayton?

The average cost of solar panels in Dayton is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Dayton?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Dayton. However, you may still be able to afford 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.

Is it worth going solar in Dayton?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.

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