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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Waynesboro is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,964 for a solar installation, or $24,259 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waynesboro find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Waynesboro, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Waynesboro

YearReturn 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 switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Waynesboro:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Waynesboro

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waynesboro

Although the average cost of a solar system in Waynesboro is $16,964, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,740.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Waynesboro average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Waynesboro homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Waynesboro’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.89$16,336$17,48212.1 years
8 kW$3.81$21,363$23,72811.8 years
10 kW$3.74$26,180$30,18411.6 years
12 kW$3.67$30,788$36,84911.4 years
14 kW$3.59$35,186$43,72411.1 years
16 kW$3.52$39,375$50,80810.9 years
18 kW$3.44$43,354$58,10210.7 years
20 kW$3.37$47,124$65,60410.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Waynesboro, GA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waynesboro?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waynesboro?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

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 receive compensation 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?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.