Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cochran, GA (2024 Update)
- Cochran Solar Installation Cost: $17,047
- 25-Year Savings: $24,608
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cochran
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cochran.
In Cochran, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cochran, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,047, or $24,377 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Cochran homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cochran
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,454 |
| 3 years | $-12,267 |
| 5 years | $-9,081 |
| 7 years | $-5,894 |
| 9 years | $-2,708 |
| 11 years | $479 |
| 13 years | $3,665 |
| 15 years | $6,851 |
| 17 years | $10,038 |
| 19 years | $13,224 |
| 21 years | $16,411 |
| 23 years | $19,597 |
| 25 years | $22,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Cochran
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Cochran
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cochran
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Cochran: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly 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 significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,740. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cochran homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $17,048 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $23,150 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $29,461 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $35,982 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $42,712 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $49,651 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $56,800 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $64,158 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Cochran, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Cochran, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cochran?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
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 $1,112.82 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 usage and how much 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.