Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dawson, GA (2024 Update)
- Dawson Solar Installation Cost: $17,159
- 25-Year Savings: $26,226
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dawson
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dawson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dawson it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Dawson, the average price of going solar will be about $17,159 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Dawson can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Dawson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dawson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,566 |
| 3 years | $-12,380 |
| 5 years | $-9,193 |
| 7 years | $-6,007 |
| 9 years | $-2,820 |
| 11 years | $366 |
| 13 years | $3,553 |
| 15 years | $6,739 |
| 17 years | $9,926 |
| 19 years | $13,112 |
| 21 years | $16,298 |
| 23 years | $19,485 |
| 25 years | $22,671 |
Top Solar Installers in Dawson
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Dawson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dawson
The cost of installing a solar system in Dawson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,740 per kilowatt in Dawson.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dawson is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Dawson know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $18,381 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $24,927 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $31,683 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $38,648 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $45,822 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $53,206 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $60,799 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $68,601 | 10.2 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Dawson, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dawson?
The average cost of solar panels in Dawson 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dawson?
Solar panels aren’t free in Dawson, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.