Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, GA (2023 Update)

  • Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $12,495
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,401
  • Payback Period: 9.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairview.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fairview, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fairview, the average price of going solar will be about $12,495 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairview find going solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Fairview

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,219
3 years $-8,667
5 years $-6,116
7 years $-3,564
9 years $-1,012
11 years $1,539
13 years $4,091
15 years $6,643
17 years $9,195
19 years $11,746
21 years $14,298
23 years $16,850
25 years $19,401

Top Solar Installers in Fairview

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Fairview, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Fairview

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Fairview: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fairview, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Fairview homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fairview homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairview is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 $16,190 10.2 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $21,873 10.0 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $27,698 9.8 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $33,666 9.6 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $39,776 9.4 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $46,030 9.2 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $52,426 9.0 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $58,965 8.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Fairview, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairview?

The average cost of solar panels in Fairview is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Fairview?

Solar panels aren't free in Fairview, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fairview, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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