Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cochran, GA (2024 Update)
- Cochran Solar Installation Cost: $17,047
- 25-Year Savings: $24,608
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cochran
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cochran.
In Cochran, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Cochran homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,047 with the federal tax credit, or $24,377 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cochran homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cochran
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,454 |
| 3 years | $-12,267 |
| 5 years | $-9,081 |
| 7 years | $-5,894 |
| 9 years | $-2,708 |
| 11 years | $479 |
| 13 years | $3,665 |
| 15 years | $6,851 |
| 17 years | $10,038 |
| 19 years | $13,224 |
| 21 years | $16,411 |
| 23 years | $19,597 |
| 25 years | $22,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Cochran
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Cochran
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cochran
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Cochran: 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, 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 around $3,740. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cochran, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cochran homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Cochran’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $17,048 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $23,150 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $29,461 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $35,982 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $42,712 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $49,651 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $56,800 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $64,158 | 10.6 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: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions 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 Cochran, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cochran?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cochran, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.