Solar Panel Cost Guide in McRae-Helena, GA (2025 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 typically cost around 4.The average McRae-Helena homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,910 with the federal tax credit, or $24,181 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 McRae-Helena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McRae-Helena
Even though the average cost of a solar system in McRae-Helena is $16,910, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,740 per kilowatt in McRae-Helena.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in McRae-Helena, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in McRae-Helena, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in McRae-Helena know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in McRae-Helena?
Solar panels aren’t free in McRae-Helena, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in McRae-Helena is currently $126,732, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,196 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in McRae-Helena is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.