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 solar panels in Dayton is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,693 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dayton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Dayton homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized 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 | $-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 decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Dayton:
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 $19,693, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dayton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
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. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.72 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- 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 you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's Dayton, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Dayton is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Dayton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dayton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Dayton?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.