Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dayton, TX (2024 Update)
- Dayton Solar Installation Cost: $17,942
- 25-Year Savings: $20,826
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dayton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dayton.
In Dayton, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dayton, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,942, or $25,657 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Dayton homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Dayton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,643 |
| 3 years | $-14,046 |
| 5 years | $-11,449 |
| 7 years | $-8,852 |
| 9 years | $-6,255 |
| 11 years | $-3,658 |
| 13 years | $-1,061 |
| 15 years | $1,537 |
| 17 years | $4,134 |
| 19 years | $6,731 |
| 21 years | $9,328 |
| 23 years | $11,925 |
| 25 years | $14,522 |
Top Solar Installers in Dayton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Dayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dayton
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,330. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this 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, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Dayton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $12,986 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $17,688 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $22,576 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $27,651 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $32,912 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $38,360 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $43,994 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $49,815 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Dayton have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.