Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milledgeville, GA (2024 Update)
- Milledgeville Solar Installation Cost: $17,205
- 25-Year Savings: $22,626
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Milledgeville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Milledgeville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Milledgeville typically cost about 4.The average Milledgeville homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,205 with the federal tax credit, or $24,603 before the 0 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 consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Milledgeville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,612 |
| 3 years | $-12,425 |
| 5 years | $-9,239 |
| 7 years | $-6,052 |
| 9 years | $-2,866 |
| 11 years | $321 |
| 13 years | $3,507 |
| 15 years | $6,694 |
| 17 years | $9,880 |
| 19 years | $13,067 |
| 21 years | $16,253 |
| 23 years | $19,439 |
| 25 years | $22,626 |
Top Solar Installers in Milledgeville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Milledgeville, we've 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 Milledgeville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milledgeville
For many Milledgeville homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Milledgeville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Milledgeville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $16,255 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $22,092 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $28,139 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $34,395 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $40,860 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $47,535 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $54,420 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $61,514 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Milledgeville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Milledgeville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Milledgeville?
The average cost of solar panels in Milledgeville 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Milledgeville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Milledgeville. 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Milledgeville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.