Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thomson, GA (Mar 2023)
- Thomson Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $26,005
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thomson
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Thomson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Thomson, the average cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Thomson, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,727, or $16,770 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Thomson depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Thomson homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thomson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,218 |
| 3 years | $-7,200 |
| 5 years | $-4,181 |
| 7 years | $-1,162 |
| 9 years | $1,856 |
| 11 years | $4,875 |
| 13 years | $7,893 |
| 15 years | $10,912 |
| 17 years | $13,930 |
| 19 years | $16,949 |
| 21 years | $19,967 |
| 23 years | $22,986 |
| 25 years | $26,005 |
Top Solar Installers in Thomson
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Thomson:
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 Thomson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thomson
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Thomson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Thomson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $23,303 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $31,356 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $39,552 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $47,891 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $56,372 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $64,997 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $73,764 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $82,674 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Thomson, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thomson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other 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 efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Thomson?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Thomson?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.