Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vinings, GA (Feb 2023)
- Vinings Solar Installation Cost: $12,263
- 25-Year Savings: $22,427
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated January 20, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vinings
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vinings.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vinings, the typical cost of solar panels is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.9 would cost about $12,263 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Vinings homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Vinings homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Vinings, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vinings
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,875 |
| 3 years | $-8,100 |
| 5 years | $-5,325 |
| 7 years | $-2,550 |
| 9 years | $225 |
| 11 years | $3,000 |
| 13 years | $5,776 |
| 15 years | $8,551 |
| 17 years | $11,326 |
| 19 years | $14,101 |
| 21 years | $16,876 |
| 23 years | $19,651 |
| 25 years | $22,427 |
Top Solar Installers in Vinings
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
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 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 Vinings
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vinings
For many Vinings homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vinings, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly 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 installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Vinings, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Vinings, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vinings 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Vinings, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $19,137 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,801 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $32,609 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $39,559 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $46,652 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $53,887 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $61,266 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $68,787 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts 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 Vinings, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vinings?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,009.17 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.