Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dahlonega, GA (2023 Update)
- Dahlonega Solar Installation Cost: $12,263
- 25-Year Savings: $22,115
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dahlonega
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Dahlonega.
The average cost of solar panels in Dahlonega is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $12,263 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Dahlonega homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Dahlonega for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Dahlonega
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,888 |
| 3 years | $-8,138 |
| 5 years | $-5,387 |
| 7 years | $-2,637 |
| 9 years | $113 |
| 11 years | $2,863 |
| 13 years | $5,613 |
| 15 years | $8,364 |
| 17 years | $11,114 |
| 19 years | $13,864 |
| 21 years | $16,614 |
| 23 years | $19,364 |
| 25 years | $22,115 |
Top Solar Installers in Dahlonega
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dahlonega
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dahlonega
Though the average cost of a solar system in Dahlonega is $12,263, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dahlonega, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Dahlonega know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,873 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,449 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,169 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $39,031 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $46,036 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $53,184 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $60,474 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $67,908 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Dahlonega, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dahlonega?
This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dahlonega?
Solar panels aren't free in Dahlonega, 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 help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dahlonega is currently $189,900, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,786 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dahlonega is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Dahlonega?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.