Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, GA (2023 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $12,090
- 25-Year Savings: $20,759
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Auburn.
In Auburn, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. 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 $12,084 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Auburn find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,497 |
| 3 years | $-7,311 |
| 5 years | $-4,124 |
| 7 years | $-938 |
| 9 years | $2,249 |
| 11 years | $5,435 |
| 13 years | $8,622 |
| 15 years | $11,808 |
| 17 years | $14,995 |
| 19 years | $18,181 |
| 21 years | $21,368 |
| 23 years | $24,554 |
| 25 years | $27,740 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Auburn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Auburn. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Auburn offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Auburn is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Auburn have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $17,960 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,232 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,648 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $37,205 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,906 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $50,750 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $57,736 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $64,865 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Auburn?
A solar panel system isn't free in Auburn, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Auburn?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.