Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richmond Hill, GA (2024 Update)

  • Richmond Hill Solar Installation Cost: $16,454
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,397
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Richmond Hill

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Richmond Hill.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Richmond Hill it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Richmond Hill is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,454 for a solar installation, or $23,529 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Richmond Hill based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Richmond Hill

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-14,861
3 years$-11,675
5 years$-8,488
7 years$-5,302
9 years$-2,115
11 years$1,071
13 years$4,258
15 years$7,444
17 years$10,631
19 years$13,817
21 years$17,003
23 years$20,190
25 years$23,376

Top Solar Installers in Richmond Hill

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make converting 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 vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Richmond Hill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richmond Hill

For many Richmond Hill homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Richmond Hill, 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,740 per kilowatt in Richmond Hill.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Richmond Hill average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Richmond Hill to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.89$16,336$19,57311.4 years
8 kW$3.81$21,363$26,51611.2 years
10 kW$3.74$26,180$33,66810.9 years
12 kW$3.67$30,788$41,03010.7 years
14 kW$3.59$35,186$48,60210.5 years
16 kW$3.52$39,375$56,38310.3 years
18 kW$3.44$43,354$64,37310.1 years
20 kW$3.37$47,124$72,5739.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Long-standing 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 Richmond Hill, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richmond Hill?

The average cost of solar panels in Richmond Hill 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Richmond Hill?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Richmond Hill. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,196.97 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.