Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, GA (2023 Update)
- Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $11,489
- 25-Year Savings: $21,222
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglas
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Douglas.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Douglas is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Douglas, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,495, or $16,438 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Douglas based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,998 |
| 3 years | $-7,016 |
| 5 years | $-4,035 |
| 7 years | $-1,053 |
| 9 years | $1,928 |
| 11 years | $4,910 |
| 13 years | $7,891 |
| 15 years | $10,873 |
| 17 years | $13,854 |
| 19 years | $16,836 |
| 21 years | $19,817 |
| 23 years | $22,799 |
| 25 years | $25,780 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglas
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Douglas is $11,495, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Douglas to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Douglas' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $19,355 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $26,092 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,972 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $39,995 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $47,161 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $54,469 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $61,920 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $69,514 | 7.9 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When looking 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 such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Douglas?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglas is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Douglas?
You can't get solar panels for free in Douglas. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Douglas?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.