Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, TX (2023 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $14,499
- 25-Year Savings: $20,820
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Dayton.
The average cost of solar panels in Dayton is 2.69 per watt. The average Dayton homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,499 with the federal tax credit, or $20,734 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Dayton depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Dayton homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized 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 | $-13,086 |
| 3 years | $-10,261 |
| 5 years | $-7,435 |
| 7 years | $-4,610 |
| 9 years | $-1,784 |
| 11 years | $1,041 |
| 13 years | $3,867 |
| 15 years | $6,693 |
| 17 years | $9,518 |
| 19 years | $12,344 |
| 21 years | $15,169 |
| 23 years | $17,995 |
| 25 years | $20,820 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Dayton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 $14,499, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,690 per kilowatt in Dayton. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dayton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $15,782 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $21,344 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $27,056 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $32,920 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $38,934 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $45,098 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $51,413 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $57,879 | 9.2 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Dayton, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Dayton is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type 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 install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $917.73 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.