Solar Panel Cost Guide in Georgia, VT (2024 Update)
- Georgia Solar Installation Cost: $15,500
- 25-Year Savings: $22,340
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Georgia
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Georgia.
In Georgia, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Georgia, the average price of going solar will be about $15,500 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Georgia see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Georgia for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Georgia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,139 |
| 3 years | $-11,417 |
| 5 years | $-8,695 |
| 7 years | $-5,974 |
| 9 years | $-3,252 |
| 11 years | $-530 |
| 13 years | $2,192 |
| 15 years | $4,913 |
| 17 years | $7,635 |
| 19 years | $10,357 |
| 21 years | $13,079 |
| 23 years | $15,800 |
| 25 years | $18,522 |
Top Solar Installers in Georgia
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Georgia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Georgia, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,850 for each additional kilowatt you need.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, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Georgia average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 vehicle 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 | $4.00 | $16,817 | $18,543 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $25,156 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $31,984 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $39,027 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $46,286 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $53,761 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $61,451 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $69,357 | 10.3 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. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Georgia?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Georgia?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.