Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Decatur, GA (Mar 2023)
- North Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $23,576
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Decatur
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in North Decatur.
The average cost of a solar panel system in North Decatur is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in North Decatur, the average price of going solar will be about $12,084 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Decatur see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,658 |
| 3 years | $-7,805 |
| 5 years | $-4,952 |
| 7 years | $-2,100 |
| 9 years | $753 |
| 11 years | $3,606 |
| 13 years | $6,459 |
| 15 years | $9,312 |
| 17 years | $12,165 |
| 19 years | $15,018 |
| 21 years | $17,870 |
| 23 years | $20,723 |
| 25 years | $23,576 |
Top Solar Installers in North Decatur
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in North Decatur, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 North Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Decatur
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in North Decatur: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the North Decatur average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in North Decatur, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in North Decatur, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better 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 discount 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $20,470 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $27,579 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $34,831 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $42,226 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $49,763 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $57,444 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $65,267 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $73,232 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in North Decatur, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 North Decatur, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Decatur?
The average cost of solar panels in North Decatur is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does North Decatur have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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.