Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, GA (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $17,732
- 25-Year Savings: $20,759
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Auburn.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Auburn typically cost around 4.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Auburn, the average price of going solar will be about $17,732 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Auburn depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Auburn can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Auburn for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,139 |
| 3 years | $-12,953 |
| 5 years | $-9,766 |
| 7 years | $-6,580 |
| 9 years | $-3,393 |
| 11 years | $-207 |
| 13 years | $2,980 |
| 15 years | $6,166 |
| 17 years | $9,352 |
| 19 years | $12,539 |
| 21 years | $15,725 |
| 23 years | $18,912 |
| 25 years | $22,098 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Auburn, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
For many Auburn homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Auburn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Auburn, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Auburn, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $12,762 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,435 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $22,318 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $27,409 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,711 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $38,221 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,941 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,871 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Auburn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Auburn, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Auburn?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.