Solar Panel Cost Guide in Swainsboro, GA (2023 Update)
- Swainsboro Solar Installation Cost: $11,564
- 25-Year Savings: $23,915
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Swainsboro
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Swainsboro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Swainsboro, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Swainsboro is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,567 for a solar installation, or $16,541 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Swainsboro can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Swainsboro, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Swainsboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,971 |
| 3 years | $-6,784 |
| 5 years | $-3,598 |
| 7 years | $-411 |
| 9 years | $2,775 |
| 11 years | $5,962 |
| 13 years | $9,148 |
| 15 years | $12,334 |
| 17 years | $15,521 |
| 19 years | $18,707 |
| 21 years | $21,894 |
| 23 years | $25,080 |
| 25 years | $28,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Swainsboro
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Swainsboro:
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
See all of the solar companies in Swainsboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Swainsboro
There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Swainsboro, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Swainsboro, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
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 Swainsboro is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 | $21,721 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $29,246 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $36,915 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $44,726 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $52,681 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $60,778 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $69,017 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $77,400 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Swainsboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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
EcoWatch's Swainsboro, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Swainsboro?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want 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 are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.