Solar Panel Cost Guide in Georgia, VT (Mar 2023)
- Georgia Solar Installation Cost: $11,552
- 25-Year Savings: $22,343
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Georgia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Georgia it's 2.87 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Georgia is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,552 for a solar installation, or $16,519 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 look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average Georgia homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Georgia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Georgia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,196 |
| 3 years | $-7,484 |
| 5 years | $-4,773 |
| 7 years | $-2,061 |
| 9 years | $650 |
| 11 years | $3,362 |
| 13 years | $6,074 |
| 15 years | $8,785 |
| 17 years | $11,497 |
| 19 years | $14,208 |
| 21 years | $16,920 |
| 23 years | $19,632 |
| 25 years | $22,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Georgia
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Georgia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Georgia
For many Georgia homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Georgia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of 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 production 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 $2,870. The type 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Georgia average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Georgia provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Georgia, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.98 | $12,536 | $22,824 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.93 | $16,393 | $30,753 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.87 | $20,090 | $38,844 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.81 | $23,626 | $47,095 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.76 | $27,001 | $55,506 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.70 | $30,215 | $64,078 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.64 | $33,269 | $72,811 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.58 | $36,162 | $81,705 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Georgia, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Georgia?
The average cost of solar panels in Georgia is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Georgia?
Solar panels aren't free in Georgia, 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 further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Georgia?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.