Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alpharetta, GA (2024 Update)
- Alpharetta Solar Installation Cost: $17,801
- 25-Year Savings: $21,474
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alpharetta
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Alpharetta.
The average cost of a solar system in Alpharetta is 4 per watt.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Alpharetta, the average price of going solar will be about $17,801 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Alpharetta based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Alpharetta see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Alpharetta that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alpharetta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,208 |
| 3 years | $-13,022 |
| 5 years | $-9,835 |
| 7 years | $-6,649 |
| 9 years | $-3,462 |
| 11 years | $-276 |
| 13 years | $2,911 |
| 15 years | $6,097 |
| 17 years | $9,284 |
| 19 years | $12,470 |
| 21 years | $15,656 |
| 23 years | $18,843 |
| 25 years | $22,029 |
Top Solar Installers in Alpharetta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Alpharetta, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 Alpharetta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alpharetta
Although the average cost of a solar system in Alpharetta is $17,801, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,740. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Alpharetta homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Alpharetta’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $13,322 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,181 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $23,250 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $28,529 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $34,016 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $39,714 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $45,620 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $51,736 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 the installation process.
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 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 Alpharetta, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alpharetta?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alpharetta?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Alpharetta, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.