Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vidalia, GA (2023 Update)
- Vidalia Solar Installation Cost: $11,567
- 25-Year Savings: $24,605
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vidalia
We go over average solar pricing in Vidalia.
In Vidalia, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Vidalia, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,567, or $16,541 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% 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 depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Vidalia can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Vidalia for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Vidalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,120 |
| 3 years | $-7,226 |
| 5 years | $-4,332 |
| 7 years | $-1,439 |
| 9 years | $1,455 |
| 11 years | $4,349 |
| 13 years | $7,242 |
| 15 years | $10,136 |
| 17 years | $13,030 |
| 19 years | $15,924 |
| 21 years | $18,817 |
| 23 years | $21,711 |
| 25 years | $24,605 |
Top Solar Installers in Vidalia
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Vidalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vidalia
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Vidalia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Vidalia average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Vidalia, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Vidalia is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,372 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $30,115 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $38,001 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $46,029 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $54,201 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $62,515 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $70,972 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $79,571 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- 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 substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Vidalia, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vidalia?
The average cost of solar panels in Vidalia is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.