Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunwoody, GA (2024 Update)
- Dunwoody Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
- 25-Year Savings: $22,535
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunwoody
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Dunwoody.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunwoody it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,721 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dunwoody see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Dunwoody, you can click the button below.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Dunwoody, therefore optimizing your ROI.
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
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 install solar panels comes down to 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 a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, 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.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Dunwoody homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dunwoody is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunwoody?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dunwoody?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,022.80 per year.
How many solar panels do I need 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 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 account for 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.