Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Oaks, GA (2023 Update)
- Fair Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $12,263
- 25-Year Savings: $22,103
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Oaks
We go over average solar pricing in Fair Oaks.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fair Oaks, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fair Oaks is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,263 for a solar installation, or $17,536 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Fair Oaks for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fair Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,888 |
| 3 years | $-8,139 |
| 5 years | $-5,390 |
| 7 years | $-2,641 |
| 9 years | $109 |
| 11 years | $2,858 |
| 13 years | $5,607 |
| 15 years | $8,357 |
| 17 years | $11,106 |
| 19 years | $13,855 |
| 21 years | $16,604 |
| 23 years | $19,354 |
| 25 years | $22,103 |
Top Solar Installers in Fair Oaks
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fair Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Oaks
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fair Oaks: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Fair Oaks. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fair Oaks to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration 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 remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fair Oaks, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $18,854 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,425 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,138 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $38,994 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $45,992 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $53,134 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $60,418 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $67,846 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Fair Oaks, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fair Oaks?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fair Oaks?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fair Oaks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get 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.