Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buckhead, GA (2024 Update)
- Buckhead Solar Installation Cost: $17,386
- 25-Year Savings: $23,281
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buckhead
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Buckhead.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buckhead it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Buckhead, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,386, or $24,862 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Buckhead depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Buckhead that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Buckhead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,792 |
| 3 years | $-12,606 |
| 5 years | $-9,419 |
| 7 years | $-6,233 |
| 9 years | $-3,047 |
| 11 years | $140 |
| 13 years | $3,326 |
| 15 years | $6,513 |
| 17 years | $9,699 |
| 19 years | $12,886 |
| 21 years | $16,072 |
| 23 years | $19,259 |
| 25 years | $22,445 |
Top Solar Installers in Buckhead
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Buckhead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buckhead
The cost of installing a solar system in Buckhead can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Buckhead, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Buckhead, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $15,408 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $20,963 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $26,727 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $32,701 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $38,884 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $45,276 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $51,878 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $58,690 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Buckhead, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Buckhead, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buckhead?
The average cost of solar panels in Buckhead is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Buckhead?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.