Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alpharetta, GA (2023 Update)
- Alpharetta Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $21,473
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alpharetta
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Alpharetta.
In Alpharetta, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,138 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Alpharetta can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Alpharetta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,794 |
| 3 years | $-8,105 |
| 5 years | $-5,416 |
| 7 years | $-2,727 |
| 9 years | $-38 |
| 11 years | $2,651 |
| 13 years | $5,340 |
| 15 years | $8,029 |
| 17 years | $10,717 |
| 19 years | $13,406 |
| 21 years | $16,095 |
| 23 years | $18,784 |
| 25 years | $21,473 |
Top Solar Installers in Alpharetta
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Alpharetta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alpharetta
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Alpharetta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alpharetta average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Alpharetta provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
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 Alpharetta is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Alpharetta are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $18,520 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,979 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $31,580 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $38,325 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $45,212 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $52,242 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $59,415 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $66,730 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Alpharetta, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alpharetta?
The average cost of solar panels in Alpharetta is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Alpharetta?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Alpharetta?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.