Solar Panel Cost Guide in Candler-McAfee, GA (2023 Update)
- Candler-McAfee Solar Installation Cost: $12,083
- 25-Year Savings: $23,578
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Candler-McAfee
We break down average solar pricing in Candler-McAfee.
In Candler-McAfee, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Candler-McAfee is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,084 for a solar installation, or $17,280 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Candler-McAfee find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Candler-McAfee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,964 |
| 3 years | $-11,726 |
| 5 years | $-11,488 |
| 7 years | $-11,251 |
| 9 years | $-11,013 |
| 11 years | $-10,775 |
| 13 years | $-10,537 |
| 15 years | $-10,300 |
| 17 years | $-10,062 |
| 19 years | $-9,824 |
| 21 years | $-9,587 |
| 23 years | $-9,349 |
| 25 years | $-9,111 |
Top Solar Installers in Candler-McAfee
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Candler-McAfee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Candler-McAfee
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Candler-McAfee, where sunlight is 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Candler-McAfee to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Candler-McAfee is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Candler-McAfee know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $20,470 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $27,579 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $34,831 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $42,226 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $49,763 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $57,444 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $65,267 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $73,232 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
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 Candler-McAfee, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Candler-McAfee?
The average cost of solar panels in Candler-McAfee is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Candler-McAfee?
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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,053.62 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.