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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in College Park, the average cost of solar panels is 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 actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in College Park depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.
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
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a 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, 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. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in College Park to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for College Park homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in College Park, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 College Park, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in College Park?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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 will have roofs that 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.