Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Marys, GA (2024 Update)
- St. Marys Solar Installation Cost: $15,905
- 25-Year Savings: $23,926
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Marys
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Marys.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Marys is 4 per watt.Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in St. Marys, the average price of going solar will be about $15,905 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $23,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Marys find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Marys
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,311 |
| 3 years | $-11,125 |
| 5 years | $-7,939 |
| 7 years | $-4,752 |
| 9 years | $-1,566 |
| 11 years | $1,621 |
| 13 years | $4,807 |
| 15 years | $7,994 |
| 17 years | $11,180 |
| 19 years | $14,367 |
| 21 years | $17,553 |
| 23 years | $20,740 |
| 25 years | $23,926 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Marys
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in St. Marys
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Marys
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,740.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St. Marys, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in St. Marys provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. St. Marys’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in St. Marys are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $19,331 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $26,194 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $33,266 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $40,548 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $48,039 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $55,739 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $63,649 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $71,769 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's St. Marys, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Marys?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Marys?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does St. Marys have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.