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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vidalia
We break down average solar pricing in Vidalia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vidalia it’s 4 per watt.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 $16,955, or $24,246 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Vidalia based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Vidalia homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Vidalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vidalia
For many Vidalia homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vidalia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
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 eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding 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.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 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 $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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Vidalia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Vidalia is currently $166,580, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,830 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vidalia is a worthwhile investment.
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 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.