Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglasville, GA (2023 Update)
- Douglasville Solar Installation Cost: $12,174
- 25-Year Savings: $20,253
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglasville
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Douglasville.
In Douglasville, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Douglasville, the average price of going solar will be about $12,174 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Douglasville based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Douglasville homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglasville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,877 |
| 3 years | $-8,283 |
| 5 years | $-5,688 |
| 7 years | $-3,094 |
| 9 years | $-500 |
| 11 years | $2,094 |
| 13 years | $4,688 |
| 15 years | $7,282 |
| 17 years | $9,876 |
| 19 years | $12,470 |
| 21 years | $15,064 |
| 23 years | $17,658 |
| 25 years | $20,253 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglasville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Douglasville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglasville
For many Douglasville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Douglasville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Douglasville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind 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 solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Douglasville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,408 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,496 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $29,727 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $36,101 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $42,618 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $49,277 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $56,079 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $63,025 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Douglasville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Douglasville?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglasville is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Douglasville?
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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $951.55 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 buy 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.