Solar Panel Cost Guide in Duluth, GA (2023 Update)
- Duluth Solar Installation Cost: $12,109
- 25-Year Savings: $20,414
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Duluth
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Duluth.
The average cost of solar panels in Duluth is 2.55 per watt. To cover 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Duluth find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Duluth, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Duluth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,000 |
| 3 years | $-11,783 |
| 5 years | $-11,567 |
| 7 years | $-11,350 |
| 9 years | $-11,133 |
| 11 years | $-10,916 |
| 13 years | $-10,699 |
| 15 years | $-10,483 |
| 17 years | $-10,266 |
| 19 years | $-10,049 |
| 21 years | $-9,832 |
| 23 years | $-9,615 |
| 25 years | $-9,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Duluth
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Duluth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Duluth
The cost of installing a solar system in Duluth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Duluth, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Duluth average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Duluth offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Duluth homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Duluth, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Duluth know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar 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
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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Duluth?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact my property 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 Duluth is currently $301,369, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,356 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Duluth is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.