Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atlanta, GA (2024 Update)
- Atlanta Solar Installation Cost: $17,761
- 25-Year Savings: $23,806
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atlanta
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Atlanta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Atlanta, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Atlanta homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,761 with the federal tax credit, or $25,398 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Atlanta find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Atlanta, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Atlanta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,168 |
| 3 years | $-12,981 |
| 5 years | $-9,794 |
| 7 years | $-6,607 |
| 9 years | $-3,420 |
| 11 years | $-233 |
| 13 years | $2,954 |
| 15 years | $6,141 |
| 17 years | $9,328 |
| 19 years | $12,515 |
| 21 years | $15,702 |
| 23 years | $18,889 |
| 25 years | $22,076 |
Top Solar Installers in Atlanta
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Atlanta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atlanta
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Atlanta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 Atlanta.The kind 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Atlanta average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Atlanta’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $15,428 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $20,989 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $26,760 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $32,740 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $38,930 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $45,329 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $51,937 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $58,756 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Atlanta, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Atlanta?
The average cost of solar panels in Atlanta is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Atlanta?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Atlanta have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Atlanta?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.