Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, GA (Mar 2023)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $20,765
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Auburn.
In Auburn, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs 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%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Auburn that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,770 |
| 3 years | $-8,143 |
| 5 years | $-5,515 |
| 7 years | $-2,887 |
| 9 years | $-259 |
| 11 years | $2,369 |
| 13 years | $4,997 |
| 15 years | $7,625 |
| 17 years | $10,253 |
| 19 years | $12,881 |
| 21 years | $15,509 |
| 23 years | $18,137 |
| 25 years | $20,765 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
Though the average cost of a solar system in Auburn is $12,084, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Auburn have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Auburn, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $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 (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 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.