Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swainsboro, GA (2024 Update)

  • Swainsboro Solar Installation Cost: $16,961
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,915
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swainsboro

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Swainsboro.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Swainsboro, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Swainsboro homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,961 with the federal tax credit, or $24,254 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 exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Swainsboro homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Swainsboro for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Swainsboro

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,367
3 years $-12,181
5 years $-8,994
7 years $-5,808
9 years $-2,621
11 years $565
13 years $3,751
15 years $6,938
17 years $10,124
19 years $13,311
21 years $16,497
23 years $19,684
25 years $22,870

Top Solar Installers in Swainsboro

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Swainsboro

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swainsboro

For many Swainsboro homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Swainsboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in Swainsboro.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Swainsboro average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Swainsboro offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Swainsboro, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Swainsboro know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $16,523 12.4 years
8 kW $3.81 $21,363 $22,449 12.2 years
10 kW $3.74 $26,180 $28,585 12.0 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,788 $34,930 11.7 years
14 kW $3.59 $35,186 $41,485 11.5 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,375 $48,249 11.2 years
18 kW $3.44 $43,354 $55,223 11.0 years
20 kW $3.37 $47,124 $62,406 10.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • 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 considerable role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Swainsboro, GA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Swainsboro?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Swainsboro?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.

Does Swainsboro have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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