Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dana, NC (2024 Update)

  • Dana Solar Installation Cost: $16,863
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,735
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dana

We break down average solar pricing in Dana.

The average cost of solar panels in Dana is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Dana is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,863 for a solar installation, or $24,114 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Dana depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Dana, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dana

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,441
3 years $-12,598
5 years $-9,755
7 years $-6,913
9 years $-4,070
11 years $-1,227
13 years $1,616
15 years $4,459
17 years $7,302
19 years $10,145
21 years $12,988
23 years $15,830
25 years $18,673

Top Solar Installers in Dana

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

If you're looking for a solar company in Dana, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Dana

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dana

For many Dana homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dana, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,510 per kilowatt in Dana.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dana average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Dana’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.65 $15,332 $11,715 14.2 years
8 kW $3.58 $20,049 $16,013 13.9 years
10 kW $3.51 $24,570 $20,508 13.6 years
12 kW $3.44 $28,894 $25,199 13.4 years
14 kW $3.37 $33,022 $30,087 13.1 years
16 kW $3.30 $36,953 $35,171 12.8 years
18 kW $3.23 $40,688 $40,452 12.5 years
20 kW $3.16 $44,226 $45,930 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Dana, NC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dana?

The average cost of solar panels in Dana is about $17,550 for a 5-kW system and $35,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Dana?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Dana. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Dana?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 how much 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 continue to use 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.

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