Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calhoun, GA (Mar 2023)
- Calhoun Solar Installation Cost: $12,424
- 25-Year Savings: $20,734
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calhoun
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Calhoun.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Calhoun is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Calhoun, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,424, or $17,766 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Calhoun homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Calhoun for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Calhoun
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,097 |
| 3 years | $-8,445 |
| 5 years | $-5,792 |
| 7 years | $-3,140 |
| 9 years | $-487 |
| 11 years | $2,166 |
| 13 years | $4,818 |
| 15 years | $7,471 |
| 17 years | $10,123 |
| 19 years | $12,776 |
| 21 years | $15,428 |
| 23 years | $18,081 |
| 25 years | $20,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Calhoun
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Calhoun
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calhoun
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Calhoun, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Calhoun, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Calhoun know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $17,455 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,558 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $29,805 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $36,194 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $42,727 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $49,402 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $56,219 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $63,180 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Calhoun, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calhoun?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Calhoun?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.