Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winder, GA (2023 Update)
- Winder Solar Installation Cost: $12,072
- 25-Year Savings: $20,694
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winder
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Winder.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Winder typically cost around 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,067 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Winder based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Winder, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winder
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,963 |
| 3 years | $-11,744 |
| 5 years | $-11,526 |
| 7 years | $-11,308 |
| 9 years | $-11,089 |
| 11 years | $-10,871 |
| 13 years | $-10,652 |
| 15 years | $-10,434 |
| 17 years | $-10,215 |
| 19 years | $-9,997 |
| 21 years | $-9,778 |
| 23 years | $-9,560 |
| 25 years | $-9,342 |
Top Solar Installers in Winder
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Winder, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels 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 Winder
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winder
The cost of installing a solar system in Winder can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Winder, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Winder, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Winder provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Winder, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,931 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $24,193 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $30,598 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $37,147 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $43,837 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $50,671 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $57,648 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $64,767 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Winder, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Winder, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winder?
The average cost of solar panels in Winder 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Winder?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $968.97 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.