Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Decatur, GA (2024 Update)
- North Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
- 25-Year Savings: $23,578
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Decatur
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in North Decatur.
In North Decatur, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,721 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in North Decatur can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,128 |
| 3 years | $-12,942 |
| 5 years | $-9,755 |
| 7 years | $-6,569 |
| 9 years | $-3,382 |
| 11 years | $-196 |
| 13 years | $2,991 |
| 15 years | $6,177 |
| 17 years | $9,364 |
| 19 years | $12,550 |
| 21 years | $15,736 |
| 23 years | $18,923 |
| 25 years | $22,109 |
Top Solar Installers in North Decatur
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 North Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Decatur
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major 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 go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in North Decatur, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many North Decatur homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in North Decatur, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $15,272 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $20,782 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $26,501 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $32,430 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $38,568 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $44,915 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $51,472 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $58,238 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 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 $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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North Decatur, 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 long do solar panels last in North Decatur?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.