Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandy Springs, GA (2024 Update)
- Sandy Springs Solar Installation Cost: $17,801
- 25-Year Savings: $22,334
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandy Springs
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sandy Springs.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sandy Springs, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sandy Springs is around 6.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,801 for a solar installation, or $25,455 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 vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Sandy Springs can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sandy Springs that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sandy Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,208 |
| 3 years | $-13,022 |
| 5 years | $-9,835 |
| 7 years | $-6,649 |
| 9 years | $-3,462 |
| 11 years | $-276 |
| 13 years | $2,911 |
| 15 years | $6,097 |
| 17 years | $9,284 |
| 19 years | $12,470 |
| 21 years | $15,656 |
| 23 years | $18,843 |
| 25 years | $22,029 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandy Springs
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sandy Springs:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Sandy Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandy Springs
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 Sandy Springs: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,740. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sandy Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Sandy Springs homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Sandy Springs, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $14,081 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $19,193 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,515 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $30,046 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $35,787 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $41,737 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $47,897 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $54,266 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Sandy Springs, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sandy Springs?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sandy Springs is currently $632,013, which means you can expect a value of about $25,913 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sandy Springs is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for 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 generally 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.