Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, GA (2024 Update)
- Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $16,850
- 25-Year Savings: $21,222
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglas
We go over average solar pricing in Douglas.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Douglas, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Douglas, the average price of going solar will be about $16,850 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Douglas see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,359 |
| 3 years | $-12,378 |
| 5 years | $-9,396 |
| 7 years | $-6,415 |
| 9 years | $-3,433 |
| 11 years | $-452 |
| 13 years | $2,530 |
| 15 years | $5,511 |
| 17 years | $8,493 |
| 19 years | $11,474 |
| 21 years | $14,456 |
| 23 years | $17,438 |
| 25 years | $20,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglas
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Douglas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglas
There are many criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,740. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Douglas to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Douglas is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Douglas have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 help you save 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 | $14,157 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $19,295 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,642 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $30,199 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $35,965 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $41,941 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $48,126 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $54,520 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Douglas, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Douglas?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglas is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Douglas 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 electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Douglas?
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.