Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eatonton, GA (2023 Update)
- Eatonton Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
- 25-Year Savings: $23,233
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eatonton
We go over average solar pricing in Eatonton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Eatonton it's 2.55 per watt. The average Eatonton homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,781 with the federal tax credit, or $16,847 before the 30% 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 choose, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Eatonton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eatonton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,664 |
| 3 years | $-11,431 |
| 5 years | $-11,197 |
| 7 years | $-10,964 |
| 9 years | $-10,731 |
| 11 years | $-10,497 |
| 13 years | $-10,264 |
| 15 years | $-10,030 |
| 17 years | $-9,797 |
| 19 years | $-9,563 |
| 21 years | $-9,330 |
| 23 years | $-9,097 |
| 25 years | $-8,863 |
Top Solar Installers in Eatonton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Eatonton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eatonton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Eatonton is $11,781, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Eatonton. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Eatonton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Eatonton, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Eatonton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $20,693 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $27,876 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $35,202 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $42,671 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $50,282 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $58,037 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $65,934 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $73,974 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Eatonton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time 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 Eatonton, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Eatonton?
The average cost of solar panels in Eatonton 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Eatonton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Eatonton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 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.