Solar Panel Cost Guide in Folkston, GA (2024 Update)
- Folkston Solar Installation Cost: $16,729
- 25-Year Savings: $24,708
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Folkston
We go over average solar pricing in Folkston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Folkston it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Folkston, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,729, or $23,922 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Folkston homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Folkston for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Folkston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,136 |
| 3 years | $-11,950 |
| 5 years | $-8,763 |
| 7 years | $-5,577 |
| 9 years | $-2,390 |
| 11 years | $796 |
| 13 years | $3,983 |
| 15 years | $7,169 |
| 17 years | $10,356 |
| 19 years | $13,542 |
| 21 years | $16,728 |
| 23 years | $19,915 |
| 25 years | $23,101 |
Top Solar Installers in Folkston
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Folkston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Folkston
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Folkston: 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 panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,740.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Folkston average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Folkston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,573 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $23,850 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $30,336 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $37,031 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $43,936 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $51,050 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $58,374 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $65,907 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact 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 several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Folkston, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Folkston?
The average cost of solar panels in Folkston is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Folkston?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Folkston. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Folkston have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.