Solar Panel Cost Guide in McRae-Helena, GA (2024 Update)
- McRae-Helena Solar Installation Cost: $16,910
- 25-Year Savings: $25,170
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McRae-Helena
We go over average solar pricing in McRae-Helena.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in McRae-Helena generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in McRae-Helena is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,910 for a solar installation, or $24,181 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average McRae-Helena homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in McRae-Helena that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in McRae-Helena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,316 |
| 3 years | $-12,130 |
| 5 years | $-8,944 |
| 7 years | $-5,757 |
| 9 years | $-2,571 |
| 11 years | $616 |
| 13 years | $3,802 |
| 15 years | $6,989 |
| 17 years | $10,175 |
| 19 years | $13,362 |
| 21 years | $16,548 |
| 23 years | $19,735 |
| 25 years | $22,921 |
Top Solar Installers in McRae-Helena
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in McRae-Helena, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 McRae-Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McRae-Helena
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in McRae-Helena: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in McRae-Helena.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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 installers in McRae-Helena have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for McRae-Helena homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. McRae-Helena’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $17,754 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $24,091 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $30,638 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $37,394 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $44,359 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $51,534 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $58,918 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $66,511 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in McRae-Helena, 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:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 McRae-Helena, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McRae-Helena?
The average cost of solar panels in McRae-Helena is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in McRae-Helena?
You can’t get solar panels for free in McRae-Helena. 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.