Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bainbridge, GA (2024 Update)
- Bainbridge Solar Installation Cost: $16,883
- 25-Year Savings: $27,442
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bainbridge
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bainbridge.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bainbridge typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bainbridge, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,883, or $24,143 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Bainbridge depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Bainbridge homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bainbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,289 |
| 3 years | $-12,103 |
| 5 years | $-8,916 |
| 7 years | $-5,730 |
| 9 years | $-2,544 |
| 11 years | $643 |
| 13 years | $3,829 |
| 15 years | $7,016 |
| 17 years | $10,202 |
| 19 years | $13,389 |
| 21 years | $16,575 |
| 23 years | $19,762 |
| 25 years | $22,948 |
Top Solar Installers in Bainbridge
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bainbridge, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bainbridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bainbridge
For many Bainbridge homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bainbridge, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 nearly $3,740. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bainbridge, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bainbridge, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bainbridge is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $19,907 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $26,961 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $34,225 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $41,698 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $49,381 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $57,273 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $65,375 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $73,686 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Bainbridge, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bainbridge?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bainbridge is currently $155,934, so you can expect a value of about $6,393 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bainbridge is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bainbridge?
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 after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.