Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cumming, GA (Mar 2023)
- Cumming Solar Installation Cost: $12,174
- 25-Year Savings: $21,438
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cumming
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Cumming.
In Cumming, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cumming, the average price of going solar will be about $12,174 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cumming homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Cumming can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Cumming, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cumming
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,829 |
| 3 years | $-8,140 |
| 5 years | $-5,451 |
| 7 years | $-2,762 |
| 9 years | $-74 |
| 11 years | $2,615 |
| 13 years | $5,304 |
| 15 years | $7,993 |
| 17 years | $10,682 |
| 19 years | $13,371 |
| 21 years | $16,060 |
| 23 years | $18,749 |
| 25 years | $21,438 |
Top Solar Installers in Cumming
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Cumming, the EcoWatch team has 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 Cumming
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cumming
For many Cumming homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cumming, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cumming, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Cumming homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Cumming, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 car 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
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 Cumming, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 actual 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cumming?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cumming, 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.