Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunwoody, GA (2024 Update)
- Dunwoody Solar Installation Cost: $17,721
- 25-Year Savings: $22,535
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunwoody
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Dunwoody.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunwoody it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Dunwoody, the average price of going solar will be about $17,721 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Dunwoody homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dunwoody
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,128 |
| 3 years | $-12,942 |
| 5 years | $-9,755 |
| 7 years | $-6,569 |
| 9 years | $-3,382 |
| 11 years | $-196 |
| 13 years | $2,991 |
| 15 years | $6,177 |
| 17 years | $9,364 |
| 19 years | $12,550 |
| 21 years | $15,736 |
| 23 years | $18,923 |
| 25 years | $22,109 |
Top Solar Installers in Dunwoody
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Dunwoody:
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 Dunwoody
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunwoody
The cost of installing a solar system in Dunwoody can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Dunwoody, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dunwoody, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dunwoody, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,348 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $19,549 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,960 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $30,581 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $36,410 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $42,450 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $48,698 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $55,156 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Dunwoody, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dunwoody?
The average cost of solar panels in Dunwoody is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dunwoody?
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 property 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 significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Dunwoody, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.