Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, GA (2023 Update)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $23,576
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
We break down average solar pricing in Decatur.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Decatur it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Decatur is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,084 for a solar installation, or $17,280 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 may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Decatur for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,658 |
| 3 years | $-7,805 |
| 5 years | $-4,952 |
| 7 years | $-2,100 |
| 9 years | $753 |
| 11 years | $3,606 |
| 13 years | $6,459 |
| 15 years | $9,312 |
| 17 years | $12,165 |
| 19 years | $15,018 |
| 21 years | $17,870 |
| 23 years | $20,723 |
| 25 years | $23,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Decatur:
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 Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
There are a number of criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Decatur. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Decatur, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Decatur to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence the cost. Decatur's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Decatur have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $20,470 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $27,579 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $34,831 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $42,226 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $49,763 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $57,444 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $65,267 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $73,232 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Decatur, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Decatur?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Decatur?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Decatur, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.