Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Stewart, GA (2024 Update)
- Fort Stewart Solar Installation Cost: $16,305
- 25-Year Savings: $25,860
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Stewart
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Stewart.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Stewart typically cost about 4.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fort Stewart, the average price of going solar will be about $16,305 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fort Stewart homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Stewart find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fort Stewart that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fort Stewart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,712 |
| 3 years | $-11,527 |
| 5 years | $-8,341 |
| 7 years | $-5,156 |
| 9 years | $-1,971 |
| 11 years | $1,215 |
| 13 years | $4,400 |
| 15 years | $7,585 |
| 17 years | $10,771 |
| 19 years | $13,956 |
| 21 years | $17,142 |
| 23 years | $20,327 |
| 25 years | $23,512 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Stewart
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fort Stewart, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fort Stewart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Stewart
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Stewart can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fort Stewart average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Stewart homeowners, they can also increase 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,287 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $26,135 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $33,192 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $40,459 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $47,935 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $55,621 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $63,516 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $71,621 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Fort Stewart, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Stewart?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Stewart?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Stewart. 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.
Does Fort Stewart have a net metering program?
The majority of states have 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 energy 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 needs and the amount of 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 account for 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.