Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandy Springs, GA (2023 Update)
- Sandy Springs Solar Installation Cost: $12,138
- 25-Year Savings: $22,333
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandy Springs
Find out how much it might cost to go solar 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 2.55 per watt. The average Sandy Springs homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,138 with the federal tax credit, or $17,357 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Sandy Springs homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Sandy Springs for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sandy Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,759 |
| 3 years | $-8,001 |
| 5 years | $-5,244 |
| 7 years | $-2,486 |
| 9 years | $272 |
| 11 years | $3,029 |
| 13 years | $5,787 |
| 15 years | $8,545 |
| 17 years | $11,302 |
| 19 years | $14,060 |
| 21 years | $16,818 |
| 23 years | $19,575 |
| 25 years | $22,333 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandy Springs
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Sandy Springs:
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 Sandy Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandy Springs
There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Sandy Springs, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Sandy Springs' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $19,279 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,990 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,845 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $39,842 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $46,983 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $54,266 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $61,691 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $69,260 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Sandy Springs, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sandy Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Sandy Springs is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sandy Springs, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Sandy Springs?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.