Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watkinsville, GA (2023 Update)
- Watkinsville Solar Installation Cost: $11,942
- 25-Year Savings: $21,370
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watkinsville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Watkinsville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Watkinsville typically cost about 2.55. Since a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Watkinsville, the average price of going solar will be about $11,942 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Watkinsville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watkinsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,609 |
| 3 years | $-7,944 |
| 5 years | $-5,279 |
| 7 years | $-2,614 |
| 9 years | $51 |
| 11 years | $2,716 |
| 13 years | $5,381 |
| 15 years | $8,046 |
| 17 years | $10,711 |
| 19 years | $13,375 |
| 21 years | $16,040 |
| 23 years | $18,705 |
| 25 years | $21,370 |
Top Solar Installers in Watkinsville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Watkinsville, 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
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 Watkinsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watkinsville
For many Watkinsville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Watkinsville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,550 per kilowatt in Watkinsville. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Watkinsville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Watkinsville is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,745 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $25,279 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $31,956 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $38,775 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $45,738 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $52,843 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $60,091 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $67,482 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Watkinsville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watkinsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Watkinsville 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Watkinsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Watkinsville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.