Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thomson, GA (2024 Update)
- Thomson Solar Installation Cost: $17,209
- 25-Year Savings: $25,999
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thomson
We go over average solar pricing in Thomson.
The average cost of a solar system in Thomson is 4 per watt.The average Thomson homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,209 with the federal tax credit, or $24,609 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Thomson homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Thomson for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Thomson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,615 |
| 3 years | $-12,429 |
| 5 years | $-9,243 |
| 7 years | $-6,056 |
| 9 years | $-2,870 |
| 11 years | $317 |
| 13 years | $3,503 |
| 15 years | $6,690 |
| 17 years | $9,876 |
| 19 years | $13,063 |
| 21 years | $16,249 |
| 23 years | $19,436 |
| 25 years | $22,622 |
Top Solar Installers in Thomson
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Thomson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thomson
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Thomson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,740 per kilowatt in Thomson.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Thomson homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Thomson homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Thomson is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $18,105 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $24,559 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $31,222 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $38,095 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $45,177 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $52,468 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $59,969 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $67,680 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be 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 the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Thomson, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thomson?
The average cost of solar panels in Thomson is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Thomson?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Thomson. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Thomson have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.