Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Simons, GA (2025 Update)
- St. Simons Solar Installation Cost: $15,919
- 25-Year Savings: $24,807
- Payback Period: 11.2 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. Simons
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in St. Simons.
The average cost of a solar panel system in St. Simons is 4 per watt.The average St. Simons homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,919 with the federal tax credit, or $22,764 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in St. Simons see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in St. Simons for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in St. Simons
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,326 |
| 3 years | $-11,139 |
| 5 years | $-7,953 |
| 7 years | $-4,766 |
| 9 years | $-1,580 |
| 11 years | $1,607 |
| 13 years | $4,793 |
| 15 years | $7,980 |
| 17 years | $11,166 |
| 19 years | $14,353 |
| 21 years | $17,539 |
| 23 years | $20,726 |
| 25 years | $23,912 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Simons
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in St. Simons, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in St. Simons
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Simons
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in St. Simons: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use 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.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. Simons, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in St. Simons, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $18,852 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $25,554 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $32,467 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $39,588 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $46,919 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $54,460 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $62,210 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $70,169 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly 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:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's St. Simons, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Simons?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Simons is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 after having 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.