Solar Panel Cost Guide in Doraville, GA (2024 Update)
- Doraville Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
- 25-Year Savings: $23,578
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Doraville
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Doraville.
In Doraville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Doraville, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,721, or $25,341 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Doraville find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Doraville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Doraville
| 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 Doraville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Doraville, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Doraville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Doraville
There are several criteria that can play into your total 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 key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use 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 want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Doraville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Doraville is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Doraville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Doraville?
The average cost of solar panels in Doraville 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Doraville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Doraville, 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Doraville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 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.