Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dacula, GA (2023 Update)
- Dacula Solar Installation Cost: $12,102
- 25-Year Savings: $20,808
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dacula
We break down average solar pricing in Dacula.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dacula, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. The average Dacula homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,102 with the federal tax credit, or $17,306 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dacula homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Dacula homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dacula
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,786 |
| 3 years | $-8,153 |
| 5 years | $-5,520 |
| 7 years | $-2,887 |
| 9 years | $-254 |
| 11 years | $2,378 |
| 13 years | $5,011 |
| 15 years | $7,644 |
| 17 years | $10,277 |
| 19 years | $12,910 |
| 21 years | $15,543 |
| 23 years | $18,176 |
| 25 years | $20,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Dacula
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Dacula
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dacula
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dacula: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and kind 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dacula, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dacula is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $17,971 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,246 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,665 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $37,226 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,931 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $50,778 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $57,767 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $64,900 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project 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 Dacula, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dacula?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dacula?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Dacula?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.