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 June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cornelia, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,694 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cornelia

YearReturn 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

When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Cornelia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cornelia

There are several criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,740 per kilowatt in Cornelia.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Cornelia, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cornelia is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.89$16,336$16,36812.5 years
8 kW$3.81$21,363$22,24212.2 years
10 kW$3.74$26,180$28,32712.0 years
12 kW$3.67$30,788$34,62011.8 years
14 kW$3.59$35,186$41,12311.5 years
16 kW$3.52$39,375$47,83611.3 years
18 kW$3.44$43,354$54,75811.0 years
20 kW$3.37$47,124$61,88910.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

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

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Cornelia, GA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Cornelia is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cornelia?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Installing solar panels on 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, which means 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.