Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Oglethorpe, GA (2023 Update)
- Fort Oglethorpe Solar Installation Cost: $12,494
- 25-Year Savings: $19,495
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Oglethorpe
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Oglethorpe.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Oglethorpe it's 2.55 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Fort Oglethorpe, the average price of going solar will be about $12,495 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Fort Oglethorpe depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fort Oglethorpe see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Fort Oglethorpe, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Oglethorpe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,388 |
| 3 years | $-12,174 |
| 5 years | $-11,961 |
| 7 years | $-11,748 |
| 9 years | $-11,535 |
| 11 years | $-11,321 |
| 13 years | $-11,108 |
| 15 years | $-10,895 |
| 17 years | $-10,682 |
| 19 years | $-10,468 |
| 21 years | $-10,255 |
| 23 years | $-10,042 |
| 25 years | $-9,829 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Oglethorpe
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Fort Oglethorpe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Oglethorpe
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Fort Oglethorpe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Fort Oglethorpe, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $16,283 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,996 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,852 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,850 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,992 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $46,276 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $52,703 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $59,273 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Fort Oglethorpe, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Oglethorpe?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Oglethorpe 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fort Oglethorpe?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $914.03 per year.
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 higher amount 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.