Solar Panel Cost Guide in College Park, GA (2024 Update)
- College Park Solar Installation Cost: $17,696
- 25-Year Savings: $23,176
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in College Park
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in College Park.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in College Park it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in College Park is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,696 for a solar installation, or $25,305 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in College Park depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average College Park homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in College Park for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in College Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,102 |
| 3 years | $-12,916 |
| 5 years | $-9,730 |
| 7 years | $-6,543 |
| 9 years | $-3,357 |
| 11 years | $-170 |
| 13 years | $3,016 |
| 15 years | $6,203 |
| 17 years | $9,389 |
| 19 years | $12,576 |
| 21 years | $15,762 |
| 23 years | $18,949 |
| 25 years | $22,135 |
Top Solar Installers in College Park
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in College Park:
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 College Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in College Park
Though the average cost of a solar system in College Park is $17,696, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
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 nearly $3,740. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in College Park is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $14,946 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $20,347 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $25,958 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $31,777 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $37,807 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $44,045 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $50,494 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $57,151 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 College Park, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in College Park?
The average cost of solar panels in College Park is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in College Park, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in College Park?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.