Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gainesville, GA (2025 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gainesville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,770 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gainesville find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in Gainesville.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gainesville, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Gainesville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading 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 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 real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
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 will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.