Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cochran, GA (2023 Update)
- Cochran Solar Installation Cost: $11,620
- 25-Year Savings: $24,610
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cochran
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Cochran.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cochran, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average Cochran homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,620 with the federal tax credit, or $16,617 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cochran homeowners. The cost 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. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cochran
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,171 |
| 3 years | $-7,273 |
| 5 years | $-4,374 |
| 7 years | $-1,476 |
| 9 years | $1,423 |
| 11 years | $4,321 |
| 13 years | $7,220 |
| 15 years | $10,118 |
| 17 years | $13,017 |
| 19 years | $15,915 |
| 21 years | $18,813 |
| 23 years | $21,712 |
| 25 years | $24,610 |
Top Solar Installers in Cochran
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Cochran, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cochran:
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 Cochran
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cochran
For many Cochran homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cochran, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cochran to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Cochran, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $22,246 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $29,947 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $37,791 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $45,778 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $53,907 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $62,179 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $70,594 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $79,152 | 7.2 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Cochran, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cochran?
The average cost of solar panels in Cochran is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cochran?
Solar panels aren't free in Cochran, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cochran is currently $97,700, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,006 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cochran is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.