Solar Panel Cost Guide in Savannah, GA (2024 Update)
- Savannah Solar Installation Cost: $15,966
- 25-Year Savings: $25,205
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Savannah
We break down average solar pricing in Savannah.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Savannah, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Savannah is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,966 for a solar installation, or $22,831 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Savannah based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Savannah can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Savannah for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Savannah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,373 |
| 3 years | $-11,186 |
| 5 years | $-8,000 |
| 7 years | $-4,813 |
| 9 years | $-1,627 |
| 11 years | $1,560 |
| 13 years | $4,746 |
| 15 years | $7,933 |
| 17 years | $11,119 |
| 19 years | $14,306 |
| 21 years | $17,492 |
| 23 years | $20,679 |
| 25 years | $23,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Savannah
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Savannah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Savannah
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Savannah: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,740 per kilowatt in Savannah.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Savannah, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Savannah, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,171 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $25,981 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $32,999 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $40,228 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $47,665 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $55,312 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $63,169 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $71,235 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, 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: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Savannah, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Savannah?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Savannah?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Savannah. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Savannah?
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 higher 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.