Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, GA (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $17,732
- 25-Year Savings: $20,759
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Auburn.
In Auburn, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Auburn, the average price of going solar will be about $17,732 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Auburn can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,139 |
| 3 years | $-12,953 |
| 5 years | $-9,766 |
| 7 years | $-6,580 |
| 9 years | $-3,393 |
| 11 years | $-207 |
| 13 years | $2,980 |
| 15 years | $6,166 |
| 17 years | $9,352 |
| 19 years | $12,539 |
| 21 years | $15,725 |
| 23 years | $18,912 |
| 25 years | $22,098 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several 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 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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Auburn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,740. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Auburn to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Auburn, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Auburn are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,762 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,435 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $22,318 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $27,409 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,711 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $38,221 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,941 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,871 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Auburn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Auburn, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Auburn?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.