Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartwell, GA (2023 Update)
- Hartwell Solar Installation Cost: $11,934
- 25-Year Savings: $24,553
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartwell
We go over average solar pricing in Hartwell.
In Hartwell, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Hartwell homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,942 with the federal tax credit, or $17,077 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Hartwell for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hartwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,341 |
| 3 years | $-7,154 |
| 5 years | $-3,968 |
| 7 years | $-781 |
| 9 years | $2,405 |
| 11 years | $5,592 |
| 13 years | $8,778 |
| 15 years | $11,965 |
| 17 years | $15,151 |
| 19 years | $18,338 |
| 21 years | $21,524 |
| 23 years | $24,710 |
| 25 years | $27,897 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartwell
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Hartwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartwell
The cost of installing a solar system in Hartwell can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hartwell, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hartwell, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Hartwell have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $21,606 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $29,094 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $36,724 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $44,497 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $52,413 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $60,472 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $68,673 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $77,018 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence 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 consider, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Hartwell, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hartwell?
The average cost of solar panels in Hartwell is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Hartwell?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hartwell. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Hartwell is currently $136,400, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,592 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hartwell is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Hartwell?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher level 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.