Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cartersville, GA (2023 Update)
- Cartersville Solar Installation Cost: $12,352
- 25-Year Savings: $21,163
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cartersville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cartersville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cartersville it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $12,352 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Cartersville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cartersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,241 |
| 3 years | $-12,017 |
| 5 years | $-11,794 |
| 7 years | $-11,570 |
| 9 years | $-11,347 |
| 11 years | $-11,124 |
| 13 years | $-10,900 |
| 15 years | $-10,677 |
| 17 years | $-10,453 |
| 19 years | $-10,230 |
| 21 years | $-10,006 |
| 23 years | $-9,783 |
| 25 years | $-9,559 |
Top Solar Installers in Cartersville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Cartersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cartersville
For many Cartersville 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 Cartersville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease 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 financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cartersville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,920 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,179 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,581 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $37,125 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,813 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $50,643 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $57,616 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $64,732 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Cartersville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cartersville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cartersville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cartersville?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Cartersville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.