Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartwell, GA (2024 Update)
- Hartwell Solar Installation Cost: $17,503
- 25-Year Savings: $24,553
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartwell
We break down average solar pricing in Hartwell.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hartwell, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Hartwell homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,503 with the federal tax credit, or $25,029 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Hartwell depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hartwell find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Hartwell for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hartwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,910 |
| 3 years | $-12,723 |
| 5 years | $-9,537 |
| 7 years | $-6,350 |
| 9 years | $-3,164 |
| 11 years | $22 |
| 13 years | $3,209 |
| 15 years | $6,395 |
| 17 years | $9,582 |
| 19 years | $12,768 |
| 21 years | $15,955 |
| 23 years | $19,141 |
| 25 years | $22,328 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartwell
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Hartwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartwell
There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,740. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Hartwell average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hartwell to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $16,408 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $22,296 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $28,394 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $34,701 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $41,218 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $47,944 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $54,879 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $62,024 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Hartwell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Hartwell, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hartwell?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hartwell?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Hartwell have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.