Solar Panel Cost Guide in Echols County, GA (2023 Update)
- Echols County Solar Installation Cost: $11,396
- 25-Year Savings: $23,829
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Echols County
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Echols County.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Echols County it's 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Echols County is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,388 for a solar installation, or $16,285 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Echols County find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Echols County for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Echols County
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,803 |
| 3 years | $-6,617 |
| 5 years | $-3,430 |
| 7 years | $-244 |
| 9 years | $2,943 |
| 11 years | $6,129 |
| 13 years | $9,316 |
| 15 years | $12,502 |
| 17 years | $15,689 |
| 19 years | $18,875 |
| 21 years | $22,061 |
| 23 years | $25,248 |
| 25 years | $28,434 |
Top Solar Installers in Echols County
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Echols County
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Echols County
Though the average cost of a solar system in Echols County is $11,388, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Echols County, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Echols County 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Echols County, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $21,965 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $29,572 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $37,322 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $45,215 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $53,251 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $61,430 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $69,751 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $78,215 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Echols County, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Echols County?
The average cost of solar panels in Echols County is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model 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 Echols County?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 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.