Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, GA (2023 Update)
- Gainesville Solar Installation Cost: $12,116
- 25-Year Savings: $20,832
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville
We break down average solar pricing in Gainesville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gainesville typically cost around 2.55. Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Gainesville, the average price of going solar will be about $12,120 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Gainesville can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gainesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,006 |
| 3 years | $-11,787 |
| 5 years | $-11,567 |
| 7 years | $-11,347 |
| 9 years | $-11,128 |
| 11 years | $-10,908 |
| 13 years | $-10,688 |
| 15 years | $-10,469 |
| 17 years | $-10,249 |
| 19 years | $-10,029 |
| 21 years | $-9,810 |
| 23 years | $-9,590 |
| 25 years | $-9,370 |
Top Solar Installers in Gainesville
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Gainesville:
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 Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Gainesville: 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 some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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 model of solar panels and equipment you choose 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 is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Gainesville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When estimating 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Gainesville, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $17,986 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,267 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,691 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $37,257 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,967 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $50,819 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $57,814 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $64,951 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Gainesville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gainesville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gainesville?
Solar panels aren't free in Gainesville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.