Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vidalia, GA (2024 Update)

  • Vidalia Solar Installation Cost: $16,955
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,611
  • Payback Period: 11.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vidalia

We break down average solar pricing in Vidalia.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vidalia typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Vidalia is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,955 for a solar installation, or $24,246 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Vidalia based 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 power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Vidalia see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Vidalia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,362
3 years $-12,176
5 years $-8,989
7 years $-5,803
9 years $-2,616
11 years $570
13 years $3,757
15 years $6,943
17 years $10,130
19 years $13,316
21 years $16,503
23 years $19,689
25 years $22,876

Top Solar Installers in Vidalia

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

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

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Vidalia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vidalia

The cost of installing a solar system in Vidalia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Vidalia, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vidalia to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Vidalia 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

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Vidalia is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 $3.89 $16,336 $17,174 12.2 years
8 kW $3.81 $21,363 $23,318 12.0 years
10 kW $3.74 $26,180 $29,671 11.7 years
12 kW $3.67 $30,788 $36,233 11.5 years
14 kW $3.59 $35,186 $43,005 11.3 years
16 kW $3.52 $39,375 $49,986 11.0 years
18 kW $3.44 $43,354 $57,177 10.8 years
20 kW $3.37 $47,124 $64,577 10.5 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Vidalia, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vidalia?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Vidalia?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Vidalia?

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 larger level 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.

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