Solar Panel Cost Guide in Echols County, GA (2024 Update)
- Echols County Solar Installation Cost: $16,715
- 25-Year Savings: $23,829
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Echols County
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Echols County.
The average cost of solar panels in Echols County is 4 per watt.Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Echols County, the average price of going solar will be about $16,715 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Echols County based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Echols County see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Echols County that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Echols County
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,122 |
| 3 years | $-11,935 |
| 5 years | $-8,749 |
| 7 years | $-5,562 |
| 9 years | $-2,376 |
| 11 years | $811 |
| 13 years | $3,997 |
| 15 years | $7,184 |
| 17 years | $10,370 |
| 19 years | $13,557 |
| 21 years | $16,743 |
| 23 years | $19,930 |
| 25 years | $23,116 |
Top Solar Installers in Echols County
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Echols County:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Echols County
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Echols County
The cost of installing a solar system in Echols County can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,740.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Echols County provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Echols County is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $16,767 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $22,775 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $28,992 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $35,419 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $42,056 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $48,901 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $55,956 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $63,221 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Echols County, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Echols County?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Echols County?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Echols County?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Echols County?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.