Solar Panel Cost Guide in Albany, GA (2024 Update)
- Albany Solar Installation Cost: $17,014
- 25-Year Savings: $24,337
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Albany
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Albany.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Albany it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Albany, the average price of going solar will be about $17,014 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Albany homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Albany find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Albany
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,396 |
| 3 years | $-12,160 |
| 5 years | $-8,924 |
| 7 years | $-5,688 |
| 9 years | $-2,452 |
| 11 years | $784 |
| 13 years | $4,020 |
| 15 years | $7,257 |
| 17 years | $10,493 |
| 19 years | $13,729 |
| 21 years | $16,965 |
| 23 years | $20,201 |
| 25 years | $23,437 |
Top Solar Installers in Albany
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Albany
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Albany
Though the average cost of a solar system in Albany is $17,014, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,740 per kilowatt in Albany.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, 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 out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Albany, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $16,843 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $22,876 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $29,119 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $35,571 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $42,232 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $49,103 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $56,183 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $63,473 | 10.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Albany, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Albany?
The average cost of solar panels in Albany is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Albany?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Albany. 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
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 Albany is currently $120,135, which means you could be looking at a value of about $4,926 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Albany is a rewarding investment.
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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.