Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Druid Hills, GA (2024 Update)

  • North Druid Hills Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,109
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Druid Hills

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Druid Hills.

The average cost of solar panels in North Druid Hills is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in North Druid Hills, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,721, or $25,341 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average North Druid Hills homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in North Druid Hills

YearReturn 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 Druid Hills

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you're searching for a solar installer in North Druid Hills, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in North Druid Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Druid Hills

Even though the average cost of a solar system in North Druid Hills is $17,721, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in North Druid Hills.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Druid Hills to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. North Druid Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in North Druid Hills know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.89$16,336$15,27212.9 years
8 kW$3.81$21,363$20,78212.7 years
10 kW$3.74$26,180$26,50112.4 years
12 kW$3.67$30,788$32,43012.2 years
14 kW$3.59$35,186$38,56811.9 years
16 kW$3.52$39,375$44,91511.7 years
18 kW$3.44$43,354$51,47211.4 years
20 kW$3.37$47,124$58,23811.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's North Druid Hills, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Druid Hills?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Druid Hills?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in North Druid Hills?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.