Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calhoun, GA (2024 Update)
- Calhoun Solar Installation Cost: $18,215
- 25-Year Savings: $21,328
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calhoun
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Calhoun.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Calhoun, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Calhoun homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,215 with the federal tax credit, or $26,047 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Calhoun homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Calhoun, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calhoun
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,634 |
3 years | $-13,470 |
5 years | $-10,307 |
7 years | $-7,143 |
9 years | $-3,980 |
11 years | $-816 |
13 years | $2,347 |
15 years | $5,511 |
17 years | $8,674 |
19 years | $11,838 |
21 years | $15,001 |
23 years | $18,165 |
25 years | $21,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Calhoun
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Calhoun, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Calhoun
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calhoun
For many Calhoun homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Calhoun, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 about $3,740. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Calhoun, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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’re only able to 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Calhoun, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 choose 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 | $12,257 | 14.3 years |
8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,761 | 14.0 years |
10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,475 | 13.7 years |
12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,398 | 13.5 years |
14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $31,531 | 13.2 years |
16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $36,873 | 12.9 years |
18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $42,425 | 12.6 years |
20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $48,186 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Calhoun, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calhoun?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Calhoun?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Calhoun?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.