Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cornelia, GA (2024 Update)

  • Cornelia Solar Installation Cost: $17,694
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,775
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cornelia

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Cornelia.

The average cost of a solar system in Cornelia is 4 per watt.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Cornelia, the average price of going solar will be about $17,694 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Cornelia can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Cornelia, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cornelia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,101
3 years $-12,915
5 years $-9,728
7 years $-6,542
9 years $-3,355
11 years $-169
13 years $3,018
15 years $6,204
17 years $9,391
19 years $12,577
21 years $15,764
23 years $18,950
25 years $22,137

Top Solar Installers in Cornelia

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're searching for a solar company in Cornelia, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Cornelia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cornelia

For many Cornelia homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cornelia, 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 size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,740. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Cornelia, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $16,368 12.5 years
8 kW $3.81 $21,363 $22,242 12.2 years
10 kW $3.74 $26,180 $28,327 12.0 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,788 $34,620 11.8 years
14 kW $3.59 $35,186 $41,123 11.5 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,375 $47,836 11.3 years
18 kW $3.44 $43,354 $54,758 11.0 years
20 kW $3.37 $47,124 $61,889 10.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Cornelia, GA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cornelia?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cornelia?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cornelia is currently $247,846, so you can look forward to a value of about $10,162 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cornelia is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Cornelia?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.

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