Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairburn, GA (2024 Update)
- Fairburn Solar Installation Cost: $17,801
- 25-Year Savings: $19,816
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairburn
We break down average solar pricing in Fairburn.
In Fairburn, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Fairburn is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,801 for a solar installation, or $25,455 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Fairburn based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairburn find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fairburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,208 |
| 3 years | $-13,022 |
| 5 years | $-9,835 |
| 7 years | $-6,649 |
| 9 years | $-3,462 |
| 11 years | $-276 |
| 13 years | $2,911 |
| 15 years | $6,097 |
| 17 years | $9,284 |
| 19 years | $12,470 |
| 21 years | $15,656 |
| 23 years | $18,843 |
| 25 years | $22,029 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairburn
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Fairburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairburn
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fairburn is $17,801, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type 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 are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fairburn have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Fairburn’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fairburn are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,859 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,231 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $20,812 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $25,603 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $30,603 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $35,813 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $41,232 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $46,861 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fairburn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Fairburn, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairburn?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fairburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairburn?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.