Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waynesboro, GA (2023 Update)
- Waynesboro Solar Installation Cost: $11,566
- 25-Year Savings: $24,957
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waynesboro
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Waynesboro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Waynesboro, the average cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Waynesboro, the average price of going solar will be about $11,567 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
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 Waynesboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,445 |
| 3 years | $-11,201 |
| 5 years | $-10,958 |
| 7 years | $-10,714 |
| 9 years | $-10,471 |
| 11 years | $-10,227 |
| 13 years | $-9,984 |
| 15 years | $-9,740 |
| 17 years | $-9,497 |
| 19 years | $-9,253 |
| 21 years | $-9,010 |
| 23 years | $-8,766 |
| 25 years | $-8,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Waynesboro
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
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 near you:
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
For many Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Waynesboro, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Waynesboro's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Waynesboro know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $22,680 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $30,526 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $38,514 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $46,645 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $54,920 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $63,336 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $71,896 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $80,598 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick 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 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 if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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 $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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Waynesboro?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy 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.