Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverdale, GA (Mar 2023)
- Riverdale Solar Installation Cost: $11,995
- 25-Year Savings: $23,665
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverdale
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Riverdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Riverdale is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.7-kW system would cost about $11,995 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Riverdale can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Riverdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Riverdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,569 |
| 3 years | $-7,716 |
| 5 years | $-4,863 |
| 7 years | $-2,010 |
| 9 years | $843 |
| 11 years | $3,695 |
| 13 years | $6,548 |
| 15 years | $9,401 |
| 17 years | $12,254 |
| 19 years | $15,107 |
| 21 years | $17,960 |
| 23 years | $20,812 |
| 25 years | $23,665 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverdale
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Riverdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverdale
For many Riverdale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Riverdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 $2,550 per kilowatt in Riverdale. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Riverdale homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Riverdale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Riverdale, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Riverdale are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 end up saving you 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 | $20,704 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $27,891 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $35,221 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $42,694 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $50,309 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $58,068 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $65,969 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $74,013 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
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 Riverdale, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Riverdale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Riverdale?
You can't get solar panels for free in Riverdale. However, you may still be able to afford 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Riverdale?
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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.