Solar Panel Cost Guide in Druid Hills, GA (2024 Update)
- Druid Hills 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 Druid Hills
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Druid Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Druid Hills generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,721 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Druid Hills homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Druid Hills homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Druid Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Druid Hills
| 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 Druid Hills
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various 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 Druid Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Druid Hills
There are a number of 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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Druid Hills, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Druid Hills, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Druid Hills homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher 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
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Druid Hills, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Druid Hills, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Druid Hills?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Druid Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Druid Hills is currently $441,035, so you can expect a value of about $18,082 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Druid Hills is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 house 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.