Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, OH (2023 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $13,386
- 25-Year Savings: $10,026
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Dayton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dayton it's 2.56 per watt. The average Dayton homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,386 with the federal tax credit, or $19,142 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,450 |
| 3 years | $-10,577 |
| 5 years | $-8,704 |
| 7 years | $-6,831 |
| 9 years | $-4,958 |
| 11 years | $-3,085 |
| 13 years | $-1,212 |
| 15 years | $661 |
| 17 years | $2,534 |
| 19 years | $4,407 |
| 21 years | $6,280 |
| 23 years | $8,153 |
| 25 years | $10,026 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Dayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dayton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key 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
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,560. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dayton, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dayton is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $7,618 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $10,444 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $13,413 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $16,525 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $19,781 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $23,181 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $26,724 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $30,410 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Dayton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Dayton is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dayton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Dayton?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.