Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chickamauga, GA (2023 Update)
- Chickamauga Solar Installation Cost: $12,500
- 25-Year Savings: $19,739
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chickamauga
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Chickamauga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chickamauga, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,495 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chickamauga homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chickamauga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,907 |
| 3 years | $-7,720 |
| 5 years | $-4,534 |
| 7 years | $-1,347 |
| 9 years | $1,839 |
| 11 years | $5,025 |
| 13 years | $8,212 |
| 15 years | $11,398 |
| 17 years | $14,585 |
| 19 years | $17,771 |
| 21 years | $20,958 |
| 23 years | $24,144 |
| 25 years | $27,331 |
Top Solar Installers in Chickamauga
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Chickamauga, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chickamauga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chickamauga
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Chickamauga: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Chickamauga. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Chickamauga, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 Chickamauga to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Chickamauga homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Chickamauga, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,484 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $22,264 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $28,187 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $34,253 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $40,462 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $46,813 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $53,307 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $59,944 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Chickamauga, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chickamauga?
The average cost of solar panels in Chickamauga 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Chickamauga?
You can't get solar panels for free in Chickamauga. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $920.74 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Chickamauga?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.