Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palmetto, GA (Mar 2023)
- Palmetto Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $19,869
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palmetto
We go over average solar pricing in Palmetto.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Palmetto typically cost around 2.55. Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Palmetto, the average price of going solar will be about $12,084 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Palmetto based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Palmetto, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palmetto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,806 |
| 3 years | $-8,250 |
| 5 years | $-5,694 |
| 7 years | $-3,137 |
| 9 years | $-581 |
| 11 years | $1,975 |
| 13 years | $4,531 |
| 15 years | $7,088 |
| 17 years | $9,644 |
| 19 years | $12,200 |
| 21 years | $14,756 |
| 23 years | $17,313 |
| 25 years | $19,869 |
Top Solar Installers in Palmetto
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Palmetto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palmetto
For many Palmetto homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Palmetto, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,550 per kilowatt in Palmetto. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Palmetto homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Palmetto, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,180 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $23,192 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $29,347 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $35,645 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $42,086 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $48,669 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $55,395 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $62,264 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact 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 several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Palmetto, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Palmetto?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Palmetto?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.