Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elberton, GA (Mar 2023)
- Elberton Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $24,006
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elberton
We break down average solar pricing in Elberton.
In Elberton, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Elberton, the average price of going solar will be about $11,835 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Elberton can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Elberton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,401 |
| 3 years | $-7,534 |
| 5 years | $-4,666 |
| 7 years | $-1,799 |
| 9 years | $1,068 |
| 11 years | $3,935 |
| 13 years | $6,803 |
| 15 years | $9,670 |
| 17 years | $12,537 |
| 19 years | $15,405 |
| 21 years | $18,272 |
| 23 years | $21,139 |
| 25 years | $24,006 |
Top Solar Installers in Elberton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Elberton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elberton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Elberton is $11,835, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Elberton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $21,293 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $28,677 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $36,203 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $43,872 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $51,684 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $59,638 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $67,736 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $75,976 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Elberton, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elberton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Elberton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 how much 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 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.