Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austell, GA (2024 Update)
- Austell Solar Installation Cost: $17,920
- 25-Year Savings: $20,292
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Austell
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Austell.
The average cost of a solar system in Austell is 4 per watt.The average Austell homeowner needs a 6.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,920 with the federal tax credit, or $25,626 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Austell find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Austell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Austell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,327 |
| 3 years | $-13,140 |
| 5 years | $-9,954 |
| 7 years | $-6,768 |
| 9 years | $-3,581 |
| 11 years | $-395 |
| 13 years | $2,792 |
| 15 years | $5,978 |
| 17 years | $9,165 |
| 19 years | $12,351 |
| 21 years | $15,538 |
| 23 years | $18,724 |
| 25 years | $21,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Austell
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Austell, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Austell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Austell
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Austell: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,740 per kilowatt in Austell.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
Most solar companies in Austell offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Austell, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $12,161 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,633 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,315 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,206 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $31,307 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $36,617 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $42,136 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $47,865 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Austell, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Austell?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.