Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, GA (2025 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $17,534
- 25-Year Savings: $21,870
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Athens.
The average cost of solar panels in Athens is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Athens, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,534, or $25,074 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Athens based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Athens find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,950 |
| 3 years | $-12,782 |
| 5 years | $-9,615 |
| 7 years | $-6,447 |
| 9 years | $-3,279 |
| 11 years | $-112 |
| 13 years | $3,056 |
| 15 years | $6,224 |
| 17 years | $9,391 |
| 19 years | $12,559 |
| 21 years | $15,727 |
| 23 years | $18,894 |
| 25 years | $22,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Athens, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,740. 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 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 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 Athens to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Athens’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,966 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $19,041 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,325 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $29,818 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $35,520 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $41,433 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $47,554 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $53,885 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Athens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
EcoWatch's Athens, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Athens is currently $307,312, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,600 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Athens is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Athens?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.