Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunwoody, GA (2023 Update)
- Dunwoody Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
- 25-Year Savings: $22,535
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunwoody
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dunwoody.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunwoody it's 2.55 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,084 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dunwoody find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Dunwoody for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dunwoody
| 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 Dunwoody
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Dunwoody, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Dunwoody
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunwoody
For many Dunwoody homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dunwoody, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Dunwoody, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dunwoody average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Dunwoody homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dunwoody is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $14,348 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $19,549 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,960 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $30,581 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $36,410 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $42,450 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $48,698 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $55,156 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Dunwoody, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Dunwoody, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dunwoody?
The average cost of solar panels in Dunwoody 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Dunwoody, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.