Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austell, GA (Mar 2023)
- Austell Solar Installation Cost: $12,227
- 25-Year Savings: $20,283
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Austell
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Austell.
In Austell, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Austell, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,227, or $17,485 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Austell can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Austell for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Austell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,927 |
| 3 years | $-8,326 |
| 5 years | $-5,725 |
| 7 years | $-3,124 |
| 9 years | $-524 |
| 11 years | $2,077 |
| 13 years | $4,678 |
| 15 years | $7,279 |
| 17 years | $9,880 |
| 19 years | $12,481 |
| 21 years | $15,081 |
| 23 years | $17,682 |
| 25 years | $20,283 |
Top Solar Installers in Austell
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer 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 Austell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Austell
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Austell: 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
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, 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 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 offered by most installers in Austell, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Austell, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,358 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,430 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $29,645 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $36,002 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $42,502 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $49,145 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $55,931 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $62,859 | 8.5 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. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Austell, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Austell?
The average cost of solar panels in Austell is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Austell?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits 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 Austell have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated 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 Austell?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.