Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valdosta, GA (2023 Update)
- Valdosta Solar Installation Cost: $11,390
- 25-Year Savings: $22,166
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valdosta
We go over average solar pricing in Valdosta.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Valdosta it's 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 how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Valdosta can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valdosta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,278 |
| 3 years | $-11,054 |
| 5 years | $-10,831 |
| 7 years | $-10,607 |
| 9 years | $-10,383 |
| 11 years | $-10,160 |
| 13 years | $-9,936 |
| 15 years | $-9,712 |
| 17 years | $-9,489 |
| 19 years | $-9,265 |
| 21 years | $-9,041 |
| 23 years | $-8,817 |
| 25 years | $-8,594 |
Top Solar Installers in Valdosta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Valdosta, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Valdosta, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Valdosta can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Valdosta, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Valdosta homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Valdosta's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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. However, 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
There are a lot of companies available in Valdosta, 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:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Valdosta, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valdosta?
The average cost of solar panels in Valdosta is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Valdosta?
You can't get solar panels for free in Valdosta. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Valdosta have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.