Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Valley, GA (2023 Update)
- Fort Valley Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $23,604
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Valley
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Valley.
The average cost of a solar system in Fort Valley is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fort Valley, the average price of going solar will be about $11,692 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Fort Valley can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fort Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,103 |
| 3 years | $-6,917 |
| 5 years | $-3,730 |
| 7 years | $-544 |
| 9 years | $2,643 |
| 11 years | $5,829 |
| 13 years | $9,016 |
| 15 years | $12,202 |
| 17 years | $15,389 |
| 19 years | $18,575 |
| 21 years | $21,762 |
| 23 years | $24,948 |
| 25 years | $28,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Valley
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Valley
Though the average cost of a solar system in Fort Valley is $11,692, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Fort Valley, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Valley offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $21,185 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $28,532 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $36,022 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $43,655 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $51,431 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $59,349 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $67,410 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $75,614 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Valley, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Valley is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Valley is currently $120,614, which means you could be looking at a value of about $4,945 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Valley is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Valley?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.