Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, TX (Mar 2023)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $14,518
- 25-Year Savings: $26,271
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Athens.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Athens, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Athens is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,518 for a solar installation, or $20,761 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Athens homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Athens, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,886 |
| 3 years | $-9,623 |
| 5 years | $-6,360 |
| 7 years | $-3,097 |
| 9 years | $166 |
| 11 years | $3,429 |
| 13 years | $6,692 |
| 15 years | $9,956 |
| 17 years | $13,219 |
| 19 years | $16,482 |
| 21 years | $19,745 |
| 23 years | $23,008 |
| 25 years | $26,271 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
The cost of installing a solar system in Athens can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,690. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Athens homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Athens, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $20,010 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $26,981 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $34,103 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $41,376 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $48,799 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $56,373 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $64,097 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $71,973 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Athens, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Athens?
Solar panels aren't free in Athens, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Athens?
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 their energy production 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.