Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairburn, GA (2023 Update)
- Fairburn Solar Installation Cost: $12,137
- 25-Year Savings: $19,816
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairburn
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fairburn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fairburn, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,138 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Fairburn homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,031 |
| 3 years | $-11,818 |
| 5 years | $-11,605 |
| 7 years | $-11,392 |
| 9 years | $-11,179 |
| 11 years | $-10,966 |
| 13 years | $-10,753 |
| 15 years | $-10,540 |
| 17 years | $-10,327 |
| 19 years | $-10,114 |
| 21 years | $-9,901 |
| 23 years | $-9,688 |
| 25 years | $-9,475 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairburn
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Fairburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairburn
For many Fairburn homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairburn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Fairburn. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Fairburn offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fairburn homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fairburn, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fairburn have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $17,057 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,028 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $29,142 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $35,399 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $41,799 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $48,341 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $55,027 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $61,855 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fairburn?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fairburn. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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.