Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, GA (2024 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $15,966
- 25-Year Savings: $24,775
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Montgomery.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Montgomery typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $15,966 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Montgomery can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Montgomery, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,373 |
| 3 years | $-11,186 |
| 5 years | $-8,000 |
| 7 years | $-4,813 |
| 9 years | $-1,627 |
| 11 years | $1,560 |
| 13 years | $4,746 |
| 15 years | $7,933 |
| 17 years | $11,119 |
| 19 years | $14,306 |
| 21 years | $17,492 |
| 23 years | $20,679 |
| 25 years | $23,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Montgomery: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Montgomery, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 have a higher price tag 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Montgomery provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Montgomery is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,748 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $25,416 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $32,294 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $39,381 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $46,678 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $54,184 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $61,899 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $69,824 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Montgomery, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montgomery?
The average cost of solar panels in Montgomery 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Montgomery?
Solar panels aren’t free in Montgomery, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Montgomery?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.