Solar Panel Cost Guide in Macon, GA (2023 Update)
- Macon Solar Installation Cost: $11,757
- 25-Year Savings: $23,472
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Macon
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Macon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Macon it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,763 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Macon homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Macon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Macon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,639 |
| 3 years | $-11,405 |
| 5 years | $-11,170 |
| 7 years | $-10,935 |
| 9 years | $-10,700 |
| 11 years | $-10,465 |
| 13 years | $-10,230 |
| 15 years | $-9,995 |
| 17 years | $-9,760 |
| 19 years | $-9,526 |
| 21 years | $-9,291 |
| 23 years | $-9,056 |
| 25 years | $-8,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Macon
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Macon, therefore optimizing your ROI.
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 near you:
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 Macon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Macon
Though the average cost of a solar system in Macon is $11,763, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Macon, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Macon, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $20,954 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $28,224 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $35,637 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $43,192 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $50,891 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $58,732 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $66,716 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $74,843 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Macon, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Macon?
The average cost of solar panels in Macon 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Macon?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.