Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Valley, GA (Mar 2023)
- Fort Valley Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $23,609
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Valley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fort Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Valley it's 2.55 per watt. Since 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%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Fort Valley homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Fort Valley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,280 |
| 3 years | $-7,456 |
| 5 years | $-4,632 |
| 7 years | $-1,808 |
| 9 years | $1,016 |
| 11 years | $3,840 |
| 13 years | $6,665 |
| 15 years | $9,489 |
| 17 years | $12,313 |
| 19 years | $15,137 |
| 21 years | $17,961 |
| 23 years | $20,785 |
| 25 years | $23,609 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Valley
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fort Valley, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 Valley average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fort Valley provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fort Valley 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Fort Valley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- 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 considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, 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 Valley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fort Valley. 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.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,077.44 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Valley?
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.