Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palmetto, GA (2024 Update)

  • Palmetto Solar Installation Cost: $17,724
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,869
  • Payback Period: 13.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 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 Palmetto

See how much it might cost to go solar in Palmetto.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Palmetto it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,724 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Palmetto

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,131
3 years $-12,945
5 years $-9,758
7 years $-6,572
9 years $-3,385
11 years $-199
13 years $2,988
15 years $6,174
17 years $9,361
19 years $12,547
21 years $15,734
23 years $18,920
25 years $22,107

Top Solar Installers in Palmetto

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Palmetto, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

See all of the solar companies in Palmetto

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palmetto

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 Palmetto: 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 Palmetto, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Palmetto homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Palmetto homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 $3.89 $16,336 $11,982 14.4 years
8 kW $3.81 $21,363 $16,395 14.1 years
10 kW $3.74 $26,180 $21,017 13.9 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,788 $25,849 13.6 years
14 kW $3.59 $35,186 $30,890 13.3 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,375 $36,141 13.0 years
18 kW $3.44 $43,354 $41,601 12.8 years
20 kW $3.37 $47,124 $47,270 12.5 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

EcoWatch's Palmetto, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palmetto?

The average cost of solar panels in Palmetto is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Palmetto?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Palmetto. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Palmetto?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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.

How long do solar panels last in Palmetto?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.

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