Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atlanta, TX (Mar 2023)
- Atlanta Solar Installation Cost: $14,800
- 25-Year Savings: $22,387
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atlanta
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Atlanta.
In Atlanta, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Atlanta, the average price of going solar will be about $14,800 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Atlanta find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Atlanta that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Atlanta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,313 |
| 3 years | $-10,338 |
| 5 years | $-7,363 |
| 7 years | $-4,388 |
| 9 years | $-1,413 |
| 11 years | $1,562 |
| 13 years | $4,537 |
| 15 years | $7,512 |
| 17 years | $10,487 |
| 19 years | $13,462 |
| 21 years | $16,437 |
| 23 years | $19,412 |
| 25 years | $22,387 |
Top Solar Installers in Atlanta
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Atlanta:
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 Atlanta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atlanta
Although the average cost of a solar system in Atlanta is $14,800, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Atlanta, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 greater savings over time. Plus, 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Atlanta homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Atlanta's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater 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 lower 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $16,636 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,483 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $28,480 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $34,628 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $40,927 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $47,376 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $53,976 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $60,727 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Atlanta, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Atlanta?
The average cost of solar panels in Atlanta is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $946.21 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Atlanta?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.