Solar Panel Cost Guide in Savannah, GA (2023 Update)
- Savannah Solar Installation Cost: $10,888
- 25-Year Savings: $25,202
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Savannah
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Savannah.
In Savannah, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $10,888 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Savannah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,445 |
| 3 years | $-6,558 |
| 5 years | $-3,670 |
| 7 years | $-783 |
| 9 years | $2,104 |
| 11 years | $4,991 |
| 13 years | $7,879 |
| 15 years | $10,766 |
| 17 years | $13,653 |
| 19 years | $16,540 |
| 21 years | $19,428 |
| 23 years | $22,315 |
| 25 years | $25,202 |
Top Solar Installers in Savannah
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Savannah can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Savannah, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Savannah's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $24,369 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $32,778 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $41,329 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $50,024 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $58,861 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $67,841 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $76,963 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $86,229 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 tough 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Savannah?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Savannah is currently $193,726, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,943 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Savannah is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.