Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cornelia, GA (2023 Update)
- Cornelia Solar Installation Cost: $12,067
- 25-Year Savings: $24,773
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cornelia
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Cornelia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cornelia, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Cornelia, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,067, or $17,256 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Cornelia homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cornelia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,593 |
| 3 years | $-7,646 |
| 5 years | $-4,699 |
| 7 years | $-1,752 |
| 9 years | $1,196 |
| 11 years | $4,143 |
| 13 years | $7,090 |
| 15 years | $10,037 |
| 17 years | $12,984 |
| 19 years | $15,931 |
| 21 years | $18,879 |
| 23 years | $21,826 |
| 25 years | $24,773 |
Top Solar Installers in Cornelia
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Cornelia, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Cornelia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cornelia
The cost of installing a solar system in Cornelia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Cornelia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Cornelia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,566 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $29,040 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $36,657 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $44,416 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $52,319 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $60,364 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $68,552 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $76,883 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Cornelia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Cornelia, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cornelia?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cornelia?
Solar panels aren't free in Cornelia, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.