Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, OH (2023 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $13,390
- 25-Year Savings: $10,022
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dayton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dayton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.56 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $13,386 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Dayton depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Dayton can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Dayton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,368 |
| 3 years | $-10,325 |
| 5 years | $-8,282 |
| 7 years | $-6,238 |
| 9 years | $-4,195 |
| 11 years | $-2,152 |
| 13 years | $-109 |
| 15 years | $1,935 |
| 17 years | $3,978 |
| 19 years | $6,021 |
| 21 years | $8,064 |
| 23 years | $10,108 |
| 25 years | $12,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Dayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dayton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dayton is $13,386, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Dayton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dayton average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dayton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.66 | $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
There are a lot of companies available in Dayton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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
EcoWatch's Dayton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dayton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, 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 Dayton?
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 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.
Is it worth going solar in Dayton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.
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.