Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, GA (2024 Update)
- Gainesville Solar Installation Cost: $17,770
- 25-Year Savings: $20,832
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gainesville
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gainesville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gainesville it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Gainesville is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,770 for a solar installation, or $25,411 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gainesville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Gainesville can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Gainesville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gainesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,177 |
| 3 years | $-12,991 |
| 5 years | $-9,804 |
| 7 years | $-6,618 |
| 9 years | $-3,431 |
| 11 years | $-245 |
| 13 years | $2,942 |
| 15 years | $6,128 |
| 17 years | $9,315 |
| 19 years | $12,501 |
| 21 years | $15,688 |
| 23 years | $18,874 |
| 25 years | $22,061 |
Top Solar Installers in Gainesville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Gainesville, we've compiled 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 Gainesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gainesville
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,740 per kilowatt in Gainesville.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Gainesville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Gainesville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gainesville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $12,788 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,470 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $22,361 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $27,461 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,771 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $38,290 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $44,019 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,957 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Gainesville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gainesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Gainesville is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Gainesville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Gainesville?
On average, solar panels can last 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.