Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eatonton, GA (2024 Update)
- Eatonton Solar Installation Cost: $17,279
- 25-Year Savings: $23,233
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eatonton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Eatonton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Eatonton typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $17,279 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eatonton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,685 |
| 3 years | $-12,499 |
| 5 years | $-9,312 |
| 7 years | $-6,126 |
| 9 years | $-2,940 |
| 11 years | $247 |
| 13 years | $3,433 |
| 15 years | $6,620 |
| 17 years | $9,806 |
| 19 years | $12,993 |
| 21 years | $16,179 |
| 23 years | $19,366 |
| 25 years | $22,552 |
Top Solar Installers in Eatonton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Eatonton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eatonton
For many Eatonton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Eatonton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably 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 important 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 costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Eatonton, 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 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 out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Eatonton, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Eatonton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Eatonton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,495 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $21,079 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $26,872 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $32,875 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $39,087 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $45,508 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $52,139 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $58,980 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Eatonton, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eatonton?
The average cost of solar panels in Eatonton 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,061.04 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Eatonton?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.