Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Druid Hills, GA (2023 Update)
- North Druid Hills Solar Installation Cost: $12,083
- 25-Year Savings: $23,578
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Druid Hills it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in North Druid Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $12,084 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Druid Hills homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Druid Hills find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in North Druid Hills for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in North Druid Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,964 |
| 3 years | $-11,726 |
| 5 years | $-11,488 |
| 7 years | $-11,251 |
| 9 years | $-11,013 |
| 11 years | $-10,775 |
| 13 years | $-10,537 |
| 15 years | $-10,300 |
| 17 years | $-10,062 |
| 19 years | $-9,824 |
| 21 years | $-9,587 |
| 23 years | $-9,349 |
| 25 years | $-9,111 |
Top Solar Installers in North Druid Hills
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. 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.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Druid Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Druid Hills
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Druid Hills, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Druid Hills to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in North Druid Hills is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in North Druid Hills are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Druid Hills, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Druid Hills?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Druid Hills?
You can't get solar panels for free in North Druid Hills. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North Druid Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.