Solar Panel Cost Guide in McDonough, GA (2024 Update)
- McDonough Solar Installation Cost: $17,462
- 25-Year Savings: $19,449
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McDonough
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in McDonough.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in McDonough it’s 4 per watt.The average McDonough homeowner needs a 6.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,462 with the federal tax credit, or $24,971 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average McDonough homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in McDonough can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McDonough
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,869 |
| 3 years | $-12,682 |
| 5 years | $-9,496 |
| 7 years | $-6,309 |
| 9 years | $-3,123 |
| 11 years | $64 |
| 13 years | $3,250 |
| 15 years | $6,437 |
| 17 years | $9,623 |
| 19 years | $12,810 |
| 21 years | $15,996 |
| 23 years | $19,183 |
| 25 years | $22,369 |
Top Solar Installers in McDonough
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 McDonough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McDonough
For many McDonough homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in McDonough, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in McDonough, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the McDonough average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in McDonough to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in McDonough, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $11,869 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,244 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $20,828 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $25,622 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $30,626 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $35,839 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $41,261 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $46,893 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 kind 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 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 $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in McDonough?
A solar panel system isn’t free in McDonough, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.