Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, GA (2024 Update)

  • Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,578
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur

See how much it might cost to go solar in Decatur.

The average cost of solar panels in Decatur is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,721 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Decatur homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Decatur for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Decatur

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,128
3 years $-12,942
5 years $-9,755
7 years $-6,569
9 years $-3,382
11 years $-196
13 years $2,991
15 years $6,177
17 years $9,364
19 years $12,550
21 years $15,736
23 years $18,923
25 years $22,109

Top Solar Installers in Decatur

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Decatur

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur

There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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 $3,740.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Decatur provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Decatur, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $15,272 12.9 years
8 kW $3.81 $21,363 $20,782 12.7 years
10 kW $3.74 $26,180 $26,501 12.4 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,788 $32,430 12.2 years
14 kW $3.59 $35,186 $38,568 11.9 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,375 $44,915 11.7 years
18 kW $3.44 $43,354 $51,472 11.4 years
20 kW $3.37 $47,124 $58,238 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer 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: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Decatur, GA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Decatur?

The average cost of solar panels in Decatur 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider in addition to 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.

Does Decatur have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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.

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