Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, GA (Mar 2023)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $12,031
- 25-Year Savings: $20,818
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Jefferson.
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Jefferson is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,031 for a solar installation, or $17,204 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Jefferson homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Jefferson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,717 |
| 3 years | $-8,089 |
| 5 years | $-5,461 |
| 7 years | $-2,833 |
| 9 years | $-205 |
| 11 years | $2,423 |
| 13 years | $5,051 |
| 15 years | $7,679 |
| 17 years | $10,306 |
| 19 years | $12,934 |
| 21 years | $15,562 |
| 23 years | $18,190 |
| 25 years | $20,818 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Jefferson. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Jefferson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,108 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,430 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,894 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $37,501 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $44,251 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $51,144 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $58,179 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $65,358 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Jefferson, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.