Solar Panel Cost Guide in Villa Rica, GA (2023 Update)
- Villa Rica Solar Installation Cost: $12,159
- 25-Year Savings: $20,900
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Villa Rica
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Villa Rica.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Villa Rica it's 2.55 per watt. The average Villa Rica homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,156 with the federal tax credit, or $17,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Villa Rica based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Villa Rica see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Villa Rica
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,048 |
| 3 years | $-11,828 |
| 5 years | $-11,608 |
| 7 years | $-11,387 |
| 9 years | $-11,167 |
| 11 years | $-10,946 |
| 13 years | $-10,726 |
| 15 years | $-10,506 |
| 17 years | $-10,285 |
| 19 years | $-10,065 |
| 21 years | $-9,845 |
| 23 years | $-9,624 |
| 25 years | $-9,404 |
Top Solar Installers in Villa Rica
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Villa Rica:
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 Villa Rica
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Villa Rica
The cost of installing a solar system in Villa Rica can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent 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 solar panels in Villa Rica, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Villa Rica, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Villa Rica, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Villa Rica's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $17,981 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,261 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,683 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $37,248 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,956 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $50,806 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $57,800 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $64,936 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Villa Rica, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Villa Rica, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Villa Rica?
The average cost of solar panels in Villa Rica 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Villa Rica is currently $161,500, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,622 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Villa Rica is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Villa Rica?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.