Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, GA (Mar 2023)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $11,960
- 25-Year Savings: $21,866
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Athens.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Athens, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,960 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Athens depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,606 |
| 3 years | $-7,900 |
| 5 years | $-5,194 |
| 7 years | $-2,488 |
| 9 years | $218 |
| 11 years | $2,924 |
| 13 years | $5,630 |
| 15 years | $8,336 |
| 17 years | $11,042 |
| 19 years | $13,748 |
| 21 years | $16,454 |
| 23 years | $19,160 |
| 25 years | $21,866 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Athens, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
The cost of installing a solar system in Athens can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Athens, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Athens, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Athens, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 car 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $19,164 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,838 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,655 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $39,614 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $46,716 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $53,961 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $61,349 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $68,879 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Athens, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 $176,633, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,242 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Athens is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.