Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumming, GA (2023 Update)
- Cumming Solar Installation Cost: $12,167
- 25-Year Savings: $21,444
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumming
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Cumming.
The average cost of a solar system in Cumming is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cumming, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,174, or $17,409 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cumming
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,055 |
| 3 years | $-11,831 |
| 5 years | $-11,607 |
| 7 years | $-11,383 |
| 9 years | $-11,159 |
| 11 years | $-10,935 |
| 13 years | $-10,711 |
| 15 years | $-10,487 |
| 17 years | $-10,263 |
| 19 years | $-10,038 |
| 21 years | $-9,814 |
| 23 years | $-9,590 |
| 25 years | $-9,366 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumming
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Cumming, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
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 Cumming
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumming
The cost of installing a solar system in Cumming can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 nearly $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cumming, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Cumming, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Cumming, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $18,447 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,882 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $31,460 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $38,180 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $45,043 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $52,049 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $59,198 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $66,489 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project 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
EcoWatch's Cumming, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cumming?
The average cost of solar panels in Cumming is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Cumming?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.