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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Simons generally cost about 4.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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St. Simons homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in St. Simons for a custom estimate.
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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in St. Simons
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Simons
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Simons can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in St. Simons, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Simons to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout St. Simons, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
There are numerous companies available in St. Simons, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
EcoWatch's St. Simons, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Simons?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in St. Simons?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.