Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smyrna, GA (Mar 2023)
- Smyrna Solar Installation Cost: $12,263
- 25-Year Savings: $22,183
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smyrna
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Smyrna.
In Smyrna, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $12,263 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average Smyrna homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Smyrna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,885 |
| 3 years | $-8,129 |
| 5 years | $-5,374 |
| 7 years | $-2,618 |
| 9 years | $138 |
| 11 years | $2,893 |
| 13 years | $5,649 |
| 15 years | $8,405 |
| 17 years | $11,160 |
| 19 years | $13,916 |
| 21 years | $16,672 |
| 23 years | $19,428 |
| 25 years | $22,183 |
Top Solar Installers in Smyrna
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Smyrna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smyrna
For many Smyrna homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Smyrna, 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Smyrna average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Smyrna, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Smyrna is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $18,925 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,518 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,255 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $39,134 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $46,156 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $53,321 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $60,629 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $68,080 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Smyrna, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Smyrna, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smyrna?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Smyrna, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Smyrna?
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 decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.