Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austell, GA (2023 Update)

  • Austell Solar Installation Cost: $12,218
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,292
  • Payback Period: 9.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Austell

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Austell.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Austell it's 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Austell, the average price of going solar will be about $12,227 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Austell, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Austell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,110
3 years $-11,893
5 years $-11,676
7 years $-11,460
9 years $-11,243
11 years $-11,026
13 years $-10,809
15 years $-10,593
17 years $-10,376
19 years $-10,159
21 years $-9,943
23 years $-9,726
25 years $-9,509

Top Solar Installers in Austell

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Austell:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

The cost of installing a solar system in Austell can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Austell, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

How much does it cost to install 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.

Are solar panels free in Austell?

A solar panel system isn't free in Austell, 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 solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Austell is currently $173,946, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,132 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Austell is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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