Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stone Mountain, GA (2024 Update)
- Stone Mountain Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
- 25-Year Savings: $22,354
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stone Mountain
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Stone Mountain.
The average cost of solar panels in Stone Mountain is 4 per watt.The average Stone Mountain homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,721 with the federal tax credit, or $25,341 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Stone Mountain see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Stone Mountain for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Stone Mountain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,128 |
| 3 years | $-12,942 |
| 5 years | $-9,755 |
| 7 years | $-6,569 |
| 9 years | $-3,382 |
| 11 years | $-196 |
| 13 years | $2,991 |
| 15 years | $6,177 |
| 17 years | $9,364 |
| 19 years | $12,550 |
| 21 years | $15,736 |
| 23 years | $18,923 |
| 25 years | $22,109 |
Top Solar Installers in Stone Mountain
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Stone Mountain, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Stone Mountain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stone Mountain
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total 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 a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production 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.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Stone Mountain is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $14,187 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $19,335 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,693 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $30,260 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $36,036 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $42,022 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $48,217 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $54,622 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Stone Mountain, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stone Mountain?
The average cost of solar panels in Stone Mountain is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.