Solar Panel Cost Guide in Social Circle, GA (2024 Update)
- Social Circle Solar Installation Cost: $17,515
- 25-Year Savings: $20,356
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Social Circle
We break down average solar pricing in Social Circle.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Social Circle it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Social Circle, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,515, or $25,046 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Social Circle homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Social Circle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Social Circle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,922 |
| 3 years | $-12,735 |
| 5 years | $-9,549 |
| 7 years | $-6,362 |
| 9 years | $-3,176 |
| 11 years | $11 |
| 13 years | $3,197 |
| 15 years | $6,383 |
| 17 years | $9,570 |
| 19 years | $12,756 |
| 21 years | $15,943 |
| 23 years | $19,129 |
| 25 years | $22,316 |
Top Solar Installers in Social Circle
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Social Circle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Social Circle
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Social Circle, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Social Circle average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Social Circle homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Social Circle is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Social Circle are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,630 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,258 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $22,097 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $27,144 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,401 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,868 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,544 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,429 | 12.2 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Social Circle, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Social Circle?
This is a tough 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Social Circle?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Social Circle?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.