Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, OH (2025 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $17,836
- 25-Year Savings: $10,022
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Dayton.
The average cost of solar panels in Dayton is 3 per watt.The average Dayton homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,836 with the federal tax credit, or $25,505 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Dayton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,814 |
| 3 years | $-14,771 |
| 5 years | $-12,727 |
| 7 years | $-10,684 |
| 9 years | $-8,641 |
| 11 years | $-6,598 |
| 13 years | $-4,554 |
| 15 years | $-2,511 |
| 17 years | $-468 |
| 19 years | $1,575 |
| 21 years | $3,619 |
| 23 years | $5,662 |
| 25 years | $7,705 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Dayton, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dayton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Dayton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Dayton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dayton, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $3,905 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $5,588 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $7,463 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $9,528 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $11,785 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $14,232 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $16,870 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $19,700 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
EcoWatch's Dayton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dayton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dayton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dayton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.