Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesboro, GA (2024 Update)
- Waynesboro Solar Installation Cost: $16,964
- 25-Year Savings: $24,957
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesboro
We break down average solar pricing in Waynesboro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Waynesboro, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Waynesboro homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,964 with the federal tax credit, or $24,259 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Waynesboro depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waynesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,371 |
| 3 years | $-12,184 |
| 5 years | $-8,998 |
| 7 years | $-5,812 |
| 9 years | $-2,625 |
| 11 years | $561 |
| 13 years | $3,748 |
| 15 years | $6,934 |
| 17 years | $10,121 |
| 19 years | $13,307 |
| 21 years | $16,494 |
| 23 years | $19,680 |
| 25 years | $22,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesboro
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer 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 searching for a solar installer in Waynesboro, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waynesboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesboro
The cost of installing a solar system in Waynesboro can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Waynesboro, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than 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
Most solar installers in Waynesboro provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Waynesboro, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $17,482 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $23,728 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $30,184 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $36,849 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $43,724 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $50,808 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $58,102 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $65,604 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Waynesboro, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waynesboro?
The average cost of solar panels in Waynesboro is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waynesboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Waynesboro?
The majority of states have 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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.