Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Simons, GA (Mar 2023)
- St Simons Solar Installation Cost: $10,853
- 25-Year Savings: $24,808
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Simons
We go over average solar pricing in St Simons.
The average cost of solar panels in St Simons is 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in St Simons, the average price of going solar will be about $10,853 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St Simons
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,426 |
| 3 years | $-6,574 |
| 5 years | $-3,721 |
| 7 years | $-868 |
| 9 years | $1,985 |
| 11 years | $4,838 |
| 13 years | $7,691 |
| 15 years | $10,544 |
| 17 years | $13,396 |
| 19 years | $16,249 |
| 21 years | $19,102 |
| 23 years | $21,955 |
| 25 years | $24,808 |
Top Solar Installers in St Simons
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 St Simons
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Simons
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St Simons is $10,853, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in St Simons offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $24,050 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $32,352 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $40,797 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $49,384 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $58,115 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $66,988 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $76,004 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $85,163 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 St Simons, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St Simons?
The average cost of solar panels in St Simons is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St Simons?
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 don't have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in St Simons is currently $389,600, so you can look forward to a value of about $15,974 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St Simons is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in St Simons?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.