Solar Panel Cost Guide in Madison, GA (2023 Update)
- Madison Solar Installation Cost: $11,854
- 25-Year Savings: $22,423
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Madison
See how much it might cost to go solar in Madison.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Madison is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,852 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Madison, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Madison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,740 |
| 3 years | $-11,511 |
| 5 years | $-11,283 |
| 7 years | $-11,054 |
| 9 years | $-10,826 |
| 11 years | $-10,597 |
| 13 years | $-10,369 |
| 15 years | $-10,140 |
| 17 years | $-9,912 |
| 19 years | $-9,683 |
| 21 years | $-9,455 |
| 23 years | $-9,226 |
| 25 years | $-8,998 |
Top Solar Installers in Madison
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels 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 Madison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Madison
Although the average cost of a solar system in Madison is $11,852, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Madison have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Madison homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 find a 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 | $19,830 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $26,726 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $33,764 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $40,946 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $48,270 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $55,737 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $63,346 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $71,099 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Madison, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Madison?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,032.29 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Madison?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.