Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stone Mountain, GA (Mar 2023)
- Stone Mountain Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $22,352
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stone Mountain
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Stone Mountain.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stone Mountain generally cost around 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,084 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Stone Mountain homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stone Mountain find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Stone Mountain, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stone Mountain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,707 |
| 3 years | $-7,952 |
| 5 years | $-5,197 |
| 7 years | $-2,442 |
| 9 years | $313 |
| 11 years | $3,068 |
| 13 years | $5,823 |
| 15 years | $8,577 |
| 17 years | $11,332 |
| 19 years | $14,087 |
| 21 years | $16,842 |
| 23 years | $19,597 |
| 25 years | $22,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Stone Mountain
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Stone Mountain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stone Mountain
Cost is typically 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 Stone Mountain: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Stone Mountain. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Stone Mountain have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Stone Mountain, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $19,385 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $26,133 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $33,023 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $40,056 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $47,232 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $54,550 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $62,012 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $69,616 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Stone Mountain, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stone Mountain?
The average cost of solar panels in Stone Mountain is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Stone Mountain?
A solar panel system isn't free in Stone Mountain, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
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 Stone Mountain is currently $148,641, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,094 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Stone Mountain is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.