Solar Panel Cost Guide in Duluth, GA (2023 Update)
- Duluth Solar Installation Cost: $12,102
- 25-Year Savings: $20,420
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Duluth
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Duluth.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Duluth it's 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Duluth, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,102, or $17,306 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Duluth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,801 |
| 3 years | $-8,200 |
| 5 years | $-5,598 |
| 7 years | $-2,996 |
| 9 years | $-394 |
| 11 years | $2,208 |
| 13 years | $4,810 |
| 15 years | $7,411 |
| 17 years | $10,013 |
| 19 years | $12,615 |
| 21 years | $15,217 |
| 23 years | $17,819 |
| 25 years | $20,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Duluth
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 (coming 2022)
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 Duluth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Duluth
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Duluth, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Duluth is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $17,627 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,789 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,093 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $36,540 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,130 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $49,863 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $56,738 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $63,756 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Duluth, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Duluth, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Duluth?
The average cost of solar panels in Duluth 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Duluth?
You can't get solar panels for free in Duluth. However, you may still be able to get 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 Duluth?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.