Solar Panel Cost Guide in Villa Rica, GA (Mar 2023)
- Villa Rica Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $20,902
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Villa Rica, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.55 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Villa Rica, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,156, or $17,383 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Villa Rica, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Villa Rica
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,834 |
| 3 years | $-8,189 |
| 5 years | $-5,544 |
| 7 years | $-2,900 |
| 9 years | $-255 |
| 11 years | $2,390 |
| 13 years | $5,034 |
| 15 years | $7,679 |
| 17 years | $10,324 |
| 19 years | $12,968 |
| 21 years | $15,613 |
| 23 years | $18,258 |
| 25 years | $20,902 |
Top Solar Installers in Villa Rica
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Villa Rica, we've organized 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 (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 Villa Rica
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Villa Rica
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,550. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Villa Rica average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Villa Rica homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Villa Rica's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $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 large number of companies available in Villa Rica, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Villa Rica, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Villa Rica?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Villa Rica?
You can't get solar panels for free in Villa Rica. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Villa Rica 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 produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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, 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 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.