Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, TN (2024 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $19,693
- 25-Year Savings: $13,908
- Payback Period: 17.8 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 a solar panel system in Dayton is 4 per watt.The average Dayton homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,693 with the federal tax credit, or $28,161 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dayton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Dayton can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Dayton for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,166 |
| 3 years | $-15,112 |
| 5 years | $-12,058 |
| 7 years | $-9,004 |
| 9 years | $-5,951 |
| 11 years | $-2,897 |
| 13 years | $157 |
| 15 years | $3,211 |
| 17 years | $6,265 |
| 19 years | $9,318 |
| 21 years | $12,372 |
| 23 years | $15,426 |
| 25 years | $18,480 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,580 per kilowatt in Dayton.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dayton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dayton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dayton is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.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 additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $5,440 | 18.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $7,654 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $10,068 | 17.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $12,683 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $15,499 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $18,515 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $21,732 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $25,149 | 16.1 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dayton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dayton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Dayton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dayton is currently $232,237, so you can look forward to a value of about $9,522 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dayton is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Dayton?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.