Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valdosta, GA (2023 Update)
- Valdosta Solar Installation Cost: $11,388
- 25-Year Savings: $22,168
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valdosta
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Valdosta.
The average cost of a solar system in Valdosta is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $11,388 before the 30% federal solar 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 based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Valdosta can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valdosta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,046 |
| 3 years | $-7,362 |
| 5 years | $-4,677 |
| 7 years | $-1,993 |
| 9 years | $692 |
| 11 years | $3,376 |
| 13 years | $6,061 |
| 15 years | $8,745 |
| 17 years | $11,430 |
| 19 years | $14,114 |
| 21 years | $16,799 |
| 23 years | $19,483 |
| 25 years | $22,168 |
Top Solar Installers in Valdosta
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Valdosta, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in Valdosta, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Valdosta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valdosta
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Valdosta: 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 installing solar panels 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 spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Valdosta. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Valdosta to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Valdosta, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Valdosta are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $20,414 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $27,504 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $34,737 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $42,113 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $49,632 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $57,293 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $65,097 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $73,045 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Valdosta, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valdosta?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Valdosta?
Solar panels aren't free in Valdosta, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Valdosta have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility 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 how much 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.