Solar Panel Cost Guide in LaFayette, GA (2024 Update)
- LaFayette Solar Installation Cost: $18,333
- 25-Year Savings: $20,889
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in LaFayette
We break down average solar pricing in LaFayette.
In LaFayette, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average LaFayette homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,333 with the federal tax credit, or $26,216 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average LaFayette homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in LaFayette, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in LaFayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,740 |
| 3 years | $-13,554 |
| 5 years | $-10,367 |
| 7 years | $-7,181 |
| 9 years | $-3,994 |
| 11 years | $-808 |
| 13 years | $2,379 |
| 15 years | $5,565 |
| 17 years | $8,751 |
| 19 years | $11,938 |
| 21 years | $15,124 |
| 23 years | $18,311 |
| 25 years | $21,497 |
Top Solar Installers in LaFayette
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 LaFayette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in LaFayette
The cost of installing a solar system in LaFayette can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in LaFayette, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like LaFayette, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in LaFayette to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in LaFayette, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $12,271 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,781 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,499 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,427 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $31,565 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $36,912 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $42,469 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $48,235 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 LaFayette, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in LaFayette?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in LaFayette?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in LaFayette is currently $197,849, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,112 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in LaFayette is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in LaFayette?
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 larger 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.