Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thomaston, GA (2023 Update)
- Thomaston Solar Installation Cost: $11,852
- 25-Year Savings: $21,608
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thomaston
We go over average solar pricing in Thomaston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Thomaston, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. The average Thomaston homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,852 with the federal tax credit, or $16,948 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Thomaston can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thomaston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,514 |
| 3 years | $-7,837 |
| 5 years | $-5,160 |
| 7 years | $-2,484 |
| 9 years | $193 |
| 11 years | $2,870 |
| 13 years | $5,547 |
| 15 years | $8,224 |
| 17 years | $10,900 |
| 19 years | $13,577 |
| 21 years | $16,254 |
| 23 years | $18,931 |
| 25 years | $21,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Thomaston
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Thomaston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thomaston
For many Thomaston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Thomaston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Thomaston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Thomaston to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Thomaston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $19,097 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,749 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,543 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $39,480 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $46,560 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $53,783 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $61,148 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $68,656 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Thomaston, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thomaston?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Thomaston?
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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.