Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitemarsh Island, GA (2023 Update)
- Whitemarsh Island Solar Installation Cost: $10,886
- 25-Year Savings: $24,775
- Payback Period: 7.6 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 Whitemarsh Island
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Whitemarsh Island.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Whitemarsh Island is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $10,888 before the 30% 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 going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Whitemarsh Island that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Whitemarsh Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,767 |
| 3 years | $-10,529 |
| 5 years | $-10,291 |
| 7 years | $-10,054 |
| 9 years | $-9,816 |
| 11 years | $-9,578 |
| 13 years | $-9,340 |
| 15 years | $-9,103 |
| 17 years | $-8,865 |
| 19 years | $-8,627 |
| 21 years | $-8,390 |
| 23 years | $-8,152 |
| 25 years | $-7,914 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitemarsh Island
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Whitemarsh Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitemarsh Island
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Whitemarsh Island: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,550. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Whitemarsh Island, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Whitemarsh Island, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $23,946 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $32,214 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $40,624 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $49,177 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $57,873 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $66,712 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $75,694 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $84,818 | 6.9 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. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Whitemarsh Island, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Whitemarsh Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitemarsh Island is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Whitemarsh Island?
A solar panel system isn't free in Whitemarsh Island, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Whitemarsh Island is currently $271,200, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,119 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Whitemarsh Island is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Whitemarsh Island?
Although 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 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.