Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mcdonough, GA (2023 Update)
- Mcdonough Solar Installation Cost: $11,906
- 25-Year Savings: $19,449
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mcdonough
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Mcdonough.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mcdonough, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Mcdonough, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,906, or $17,026 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Mcdonough can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Mcdonough for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mcdonough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,652 |
| 3 years | $-8,143 |
| 5 years | $-5,635 |
| 7 years | $-3,127 |
| 9 years | $-618 |
| 11 years | $1,890 |
| 13 years | $4,398 |
| 15 years | $6,907 |
| 17 years | $9,415 |
| 19 years | $11,923 |
| 21 years | $14,432 |
| 23 years | $16,940 |
| 25 years | $19,449 |
Top Solar Installers in Mcdonough
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various 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
See all of the solar companies in Mcdonough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mcdonough
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Mcdonough: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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 and type of equipment you choose 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 come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Mcdonough have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Mcdonough, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $17,067 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,041 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $29,158 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $35,419 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $41,821 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $48,367 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $55,056 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $61,887 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Mcdonough, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Mcdonough, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mcdonough?
The average cost of solar panels in Mcdonough 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mcdonough?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mcdonough. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Mcdonough?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.